Dubai, 19 November 2006: Celebrating the start of another exciting edition of The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), organizers today announced the opening night gala will be the highly acclaimed first feature film from Emilio Estevez, Bobby on 10 December.  

Bobby, a 2006 drama film written and directed by Emilio Estevez, tells  the story of several fictionalized people whose lives happen to intersect the night of the Robert Kennedy assassination. The evening he was shot, Kennedy had won the 4 June Democratic Presidential primaries, boosting his chances for the Presidential nomination during the 1968 elections.

Abdulhamid Juma, Chairman of DIFF, said: "Having Bobby as the opening night film at Dubai International Film Festival sets the tone for the entire festival's diverse programming of ground breaking international and regional cinematic productions and industry specific workshops and panel discussions.

Filmed at the real-life location of the assassination - Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles before its demolition this year - Bobby unfolds the night Robert F. Kennedy was gunned down. The film follows 22 individuals who are all at the hotel for different purposes but share the common thread of anticipating Kennedy's arrival at the primary election night party, which would change their lives forever. This historic night is set against the backdrop of the cultural issues gripping the country at the time, including racism, gender inequality and class differences.

With an incredible ensemble cast portraying fictional characters from a cross-section of America including Anthony Hopkins, Sharon Stone, Christian Slater, Lawrence Fishburne, Joshua Jackson and Lindsay Lohan, the film was premiered at the 2006 Venice Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation.

The third edition of DIFF will run from 10-17 December. The festival expects to draw an audience of over 30,000 people, in addition to close to 100 celebrities from around the world, 550 film makers and industry guests, and more than 650 members of the world, regional and local press.

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About- The Dubai International Film Festival
In 2004, a new festival joined the ranks of the world's international film festivals. Using the powerful medium of film to serve as a platform for inter-cultural dialogue and an instrument of global understanding, the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) launched with its theme of 'Bridging Cultures. Meeting Minds.'

Going into its third year, the DIFF is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and under the Chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The DIFF is a not-for-profit cultural event, presented and organized by the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority.

DIFF showcases a wide selection of features, shorts and documentaries, from around the world, reflecting Dubai's cosmopolitan and multi-cultural character. The festival further seeks to celebrate excellence in Arab and world cinema by screening a repertoire of critically acclaimed and award winning films.

Located at the crossroads of East and West, and one of the world's fastest growing business and tourist destinations, Dubai provides an ideal meeting point for industry friends and colleagues from around the globe. The array of panel discussions at DIFF instigates a healthy exchange of ideas among a group of progressive film industry professionals, and the networking initiatives hosted by DIFF provide a conducive setting for conducting business.

In both its previous editions, the festival has attracted the attendance of prominent industry figures, including filmmakers and talent from as many as 46 different countries. Several past DIFF guests are currently scouting locations in Dubai for their new film projects.

DIFF 2005
Last year, DIFF took place from December 11 to 17, against the magnificent backdrop of the Madinat Jumeirah Arabian Resort. The festival's registration figures increased dramatically and the audience grew from approximately 18,000 in 2004 to over 30,000 in 2005. The 2005 festival showcased 98 films from 46 different countries, which included 22 Gulf premieres, 38 Middle East premieres, 7 International premieres and 6 World premieres.

DIFF 2006
The third edition of DIFF will take place in early December, 2006. For information on this year's festival, including details on film submission, media and industry accreditation, and other new developments, please visit the website www.dubaifilmfest.com during the year.

For further information, please contact:
Majid Wasi
Account Manager
Jiwin
Tel:  +9714 361 3882
Fax: +9714 368 8001
Email: majid.wasi@jiwin.ae

© Press Release 2006