4th Gulf Film Festival screens 48 vignettes of world's longest film by avant-garde French filmmaker Gerard Courant

Dubai, UAE; April 16, 2011: In a first-ever screening in the Middle East region, the fourth Gulf Film Festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), will showcase 48 vignettes of the world's longest movie, Cinématon, directed by avant-garde French filmmaker, Gerard Courant.

The festival, to be held until April 20, 2011, will screen 32 feature films, six medium-length movies, four shorts, and samples of six series films from Cinématon, each individual fragment depicting a different tale, as part of its 'In Focus' segment dedicated to Courant.

Addressing a media briefing, Courant shared the experience of shooting Cinématon over the years, starting with the first movie, titled Number Zero, as early as October 1977. He also explained his cinematic journey, trying with different formats, and now going digital, but setting a strict short time span to his movie. He said his preference for silent movies is because of their power to convey strong emotions and connect with the audiences.

Just like the 153 films from 31 nations screening as part of the official GFF programme, the Cinématon screenings are also open and free for the public. They will be screened across video galleries in Dubai Festival City mall and Gulf Film Festival venues at the InterContinental and Crowne Plaza. Courant is also offering GFF delegates and visitors a rare opportunity to participate in Cinématon, a landmark in the history of world cinema.

At 156 hours long, Cinématon was made over 33 years, and comprises short, silent self-portraits of more than 2,347 artists, directors and cinephiles including Jean-Luc Godard, Sergie Bardaghnouf and Youssef Chahine shot in single takes.

The feature films from Cinématon to the screened at GFF include Aditya (1980), Travelling 1-100 (1992), Alicudi 3 Lontana II (2007), and Neiges (2009). Amongst the medium-length films are L'homme des roubines (2000), Banelieue Ouest II (2007), and Veni, Vidi, Vici (2011). The short film repertoire includes Hérésie pour Magritte II (1979), C'est Salonique (1981), Dévotion (1982) and Genova Genova (1983); while series films include Cinématon (started in 1978), Cinécabot (1991), and My living quarters (1991).

The Gulf Film Festival box office is open from 10.30 am to 10 pm daily at the Grand Cinemas Dubai Festival City. All patrons are welcome to up to two tickets per person on a first-come, first-served basis. The full schedule of films is also available online at www.gulffilmfest.com. The festival is supported by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and is held in association with Dubai Studio City.

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