Abu Dhabi Film Festival announces complete programme

The Abu Dhabi Film Festival today announced the full line-up of its upcoming sixth edition, which will run from October 11-20. A total of 81 feature length films and 84 short films representing 48 countries will be screened at the Festival. The Press Book containing the full line-up can be downloaded here. Over the 10 day Festival there will be numerous activities ranging from red carpet premieres to master classes and workshops by regional and international film experts targeting emerging and established Arab filmmakers, aimed at stimulating interest in culture and the development of the creative industries. Hollywood hit movie Arbitrage starring Richard Gere and Nate Parker will open the Festival. Gere and Parker will be joined on the red carpet by one of the film’s Executive Producers, Mohammed Al Turki from Saudi Arabia and director, Nicholas Jarecki. Also attending Opening Night will be special guests, Indian megastar Mammootty and Iranian actress, Golshifteh Farahani, among others. The full guest list will be announced closer to the Festival. The ADFF will this year be presenting not just one, but two prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards. The two recipients are outstanding actresses representing the cream of international talent, Egyptian screen legend Sawsan Badr and Italian film star Claudia Cardinale. This will be the first time the Festival has honoured an Arab star with a Lifetime Achievement Award. At ADFF, films from the Arab worldcompete alongside international titles, which will ensure an exceptional event with a selection of the finest films on the current festival circuit. Ali Al Jabri, Abu Dhabi Film Festival Director commented, “Once again we have a great selection of films, something we have built a reputation for since we launched six years ago . We will be showcasing some of the most ground-breaking films ensuring a very successful year for both regional and international filmmakers." The programme announced today includes details of all competitions including the Narrative, New Horizons and Documentary competitions, as well as the full Showcase section with its selection of recent outstanding films from around the world. This year’s Special Programmes include a Spotlight on South Korea, with six great films and a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Algerian independence. Furthermore, distinguished classics, Lawrence of Arabia (1962), 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (1954) and Singin’ in the Rain (1952), have been painstakingly restored and will also be screened at the festival. Our popular Ladies’ Screenings and Family Day programmes, which feature a fine selection of films from different Festival sections, will be back this year to provide entertainment for both women and families. From middle-east-online