Dubai, UAE - 'The Scene Club', a networking initiative for UAE film lovers, is holding the world premiere of "The Exodus and the Odyssey", a unique documentary highlighting the Palestinian cause through art. Facilitated by well known UAE National filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja, the screening will be held at the Centrepoint Theatre of Dubai Community Theatre and Art Centre, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, at 19:00 hours with a cocktail and exhibition reception.
The screening will begin at 19.40 hours and will be followed by a panel discussion at 8.50pm.
The premiere marks the second in a series of monthly screenings by The Scene Club, which was launched last month as an initiative between the Dubai International Film Festival and D-Seven Motion Pictures under the sponsorship of the New York Film Academy Abu Dhabi (NYFA-AD).
'The Exodus and the Odyssey' is the work of director Bilal Ismail Shammout, who is of Palestinian origin but was born and raised in Beirut and has lived in the UAE since 2001. "The Exodus and the Odyssey" is his debut film and is a journey through the eyes of a uniquely artistic Palestinian couple, Ismail and Tamam Shammout, depicting the Exodus and uprooting of Palestinians from their beloved homeland. Both Ismail and Tamam dedicated their lives to the Palestinian cause, and were also the founders of the Palestinian Artistic Movement.
The documentary uses the couple's brushes and colours to vividly portray their experiences on 19 murals, to tell the world what they and their people have had to endure over the past 60 years. Recorded in their own voices, the film takes viewers on Ismail and Tamam's personal voyage and immerses the audience in the spectacular sights and sounds of a world famous exhibition.
On being an integral part of this film club, John Sammon, Director of NYFA-AD commented; "Our support to The Scene Club highlights New York Film Academy's commitment in nurturing local talent and supporting such platforms that showcase their works. We hope that this initiative will create a significant number of new regional opportunities for undiscovered talent and become a focal point for patrons of the arts in the UAE."
The Scene Club, Dubai's official film club, is endorsed by the Dubai International Film Festival to provide a monthly platform for the film industry to come together and recognise independent films. D-Seven is enthused as this fits in perfectly with their vision of promoting indigenous local film making.
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Notes to the Editor:
Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF): The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) was launched in December 2004 under the theme: Bridging Cultures. Meeting Minds.
DIFF is held under the honorary Chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. DIFF is a not-for-profit cultural event, presented and organised by the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority. As the previous editions of DIFF have demonstrated, the Festival not only presents cinematic excellence from around the world, but is also an important high-profile platform for aspiring home-grown talent." Bridging Cultures. Meeting Minds," has been hailed by all as a unique and relevant theme to promote better understanding and mutual respect between different communities and countries.
Since its inception, DIFF has become an important meeting point for international and regional filmmakers and industry professionals setting the foundation for potential future collaborations.The past three editions of DIFF have presented more than 250 films, documentaries and shorts from more than 48 countries
D-Seven: D-SEVEN motion picture is a UAE based production house that is dedicated to the sole purpose of producing top notch visual production. It is owned by UAE national Nayla Al Khaja who is also UAE's first independent film producer. Nayla's accolades include the Best Emarati Female Film Maker award at the recently concluded DIFF 2007. "I am fortunate to have an enthusiastic team, together we strive to produce top quality visual work for our local companies and every once in a while we nail an international one"
New York Film Academy Abu Dhabi (NYFA-AD):
NYFA is a unique educational facility, committed to providing the most focused filmmaking, acting, and animation instruction in the world. NYFA-AD will play a key role in the burgeoning renaissance of film and culture that the Middle East is currently witnessing. Its vision is to develop the regional film industry and make this creative art accessible to anyone with the drive and ambition for filmmaking. For more information, please log onto www.nyfa.com or call 00971 2 6332275.
For further information, please contact:
Tabrez Choudhury
Project Coordinator
D-SEVEN FZ LLC
Tel: +9714 391 0052
Fax: +9714 391 6689
Email: tabrez@d-seven.com
© Press Release 2007
