Dubai, UAE; January 11, 2011: Under the patronage of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate's dedicated authority to promote culture, heritage and the arts, the third edition of Documentary Voices: Environmental Awareness concluded with the screening of a UAE documentary and animation on Ecological Foot Print followed by a panel discussion that highlighted the effects of environmental foot print on the country's residents.

The first film, UAE's Environmental Issue and Adolescence directed by Areeba Hanif, featured a series of interviews with experts and young adults in the UAE on environmental issues. The second, 'Ecological foot print" was an animated movie, made by the Al Basma Al Beeiyah Initiative urging the country's residents to adopt a greener lifestyle and embracing sustainable lifestyle practices.   

Over the course of the 5-day event, 'Documentary Voices' also screened several evocative documentaries from around the world. The event commenced with the Middle East premiere of the award-winning documentary, Chernobyl: A Natural History (Tchernobyl: Une histoire naturelle), directed by Luc Riolon. Several dedicated filmmaking workshops, documentary screenings and discussion panels were also held to encourage and support aspiring filmmakers to create documentaries and strengthen awareness on environmental issues.

Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting-Director General of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: "One of the founding objectives of Dubai Culture is to promote Emirati talent and encourage original content creation. Through the screening of Emirati films, Documentary Voices has highlighted the emergence of local talent who bring to focus pressing social concerns."

He added: "It is extremely encouraging to see more youth stepping forward to create compelling films that evoke social change. The films at Documentary Voices explained how we can all partner in the change process towards a greener society, and instilled in us the urgent need to act responsibly, to conserve the environment for future generations."

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority also honoured participants, panelists and academicians who participated in the workshop sessions which covered specific aspects of documentary making - from screenwriting to editing, sound design, cinematography, direction and production.

Mahshid Zamani, the Founder and Managing Director of Documentary Voices said: "The event was very well-received by the communities, filmmakers and film lovers. During the morning screenings that were designed for Dubai's school students over 400 students between the age of 12 to 16 watched the Ecological Footprint animation and UAE's Environmental Issues documentary. They also participated in a very inspiring environmental workshop lead by Ms. Tania Mansour, an environmentalist from ERM, Abu Dhabi."

She added: "There is an immense demand for the documentary industry in the UAE. This year workshop participants were more enthusiastic and it was quite rewarding to note that they expressed their desire to participate in monthly film screenings and workshops organized by Documentary Voices. We hope that Documentary Voices with the support of the community will be able to respond to this demand."

'Documentary Voices' is the only film initiative in the UAE that is concentrated on social causes and is targeting filmmakers and the community. This initiative is a cutting-edge program of documentary film producing, screenings, discussion panels and workshops designed to develop and empower filmmakers while keeping the public aware of pressing social issues.

The initiative highlights perspectives on culture, society and community development. This year the social awareness message was "Environmental Awareness" which was inspired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, for a "Greener Future". For more information please visit: www.documentaryvoices.com

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About Dubai Culture & Arts Authority:
Dubai Culture was launched on March 8, 2008 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Dubai Culture plays a critical part in achieving the vision of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 of establishing the city as vibrant, global Arabian metropolis that shapes culture and arts in the region and the world. The organisation has announced several initiatives that strengthen the historic and modern cultural fabric of Dubai. These include:

Muhammad the Messenger Museum: The first project of its kind in the world to focus on and highlight the life and message of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him).

The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards:  The first of its kind initiative in the Arab world honouring individuals and organisations who have made financial or in kind contributions through sustained support to visual arts, performing arts, literature and film in the region.

Gulf Film Festival: Dubai Culture recognises that a healthy film industry is necessary to take stories about Dubai's culture, traditions, history and contemporary lifestyle to the world.

Bastakiya Art Fair: An annual art and culture event takes place in the houses of Al Bastakiya, one of the historic areas of Dubai.

Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre: An annual festival that celebrates and fosters the art of theatre in the UAE.

Dubai Next: To encourage and sponsor initiatives that contribute actively to the development of the cultural events and activities in Dubai. Recently, Dubai Culture showcased Dubai's aspirations in culture to an international audience at one of the world's most prestigious platforms, the Art Basel 39 art fair.

Khor Dubai: A living museum that celebrates the multicultural diversity of Dubai.

The Holy Lands: A collaboration with the unique and creatively rich Reiss Engelhorn Museen of Mannheim to bring an exclusive collection of never before exhibited rare photographs to the region and more specifically Dubai. 

For more information, please contact:
Kelly Home/Nivine William
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller, Dubai
Tel: +9714 334 4550
Email: k.home@asdaa.com/n.william@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2011