Press Links
DUBLIN ARABIC FILM FESTIVAL
PRESENTED BY DUBAI DUTY FREE
FILM PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED
JIM SHERIDAN AND ZAHARA MOUFID’S FILM FESTIVAL
30th November 2021
The eighth annual Dublin Arabic Film Festival (DAFF) curated by Oscar-nominated filmmaker, Jim Sheridan and film director, Zahara Moufid, will run online from the 8th-12th of December 2021. Six feature length and eight short Arab films will be shown on www.dublinarabicfilmfestivalonline.com
Zahara Moufid and Jim Sheridan established DAFF in 2014 in a bid to allow Irish audiences the opportunity to enjoy some of the best new and classic Arab films ever made. The festival, which has been presented and supported since its inception by Dubai Duty Free, has had some very high-profile actors, filmmakers and celebrities involved with it over the years. Legendary, actor Omar Sharif launched the inaugural edition of DAFF in 2014. Other famous faces who have supported the festival over the years have included The Edge, actress Fionnuala Flanagan, singer Damien Dempsey and Liam Cunningham of ‘Game of Throne’s’ fame.
This year, the festival has included several films which explore the lives of Arab women who are often restricted by the confines of their own families and the society in which they live. These films not only shine a light on the lives of Arab women but also gives audiences the chance to see the work of some of the most prominent female Arab filmmakers.
Palestinian features include two fantastic feature films Emwas: Restoring memories and Roshmia, a feature documentary by Salim AuJabal Emwas: Restoring memories is a personal film that follows the journey of the director, Dima Abu Ghoush, as she rebuilds her demolished hometown from the memories of its people.
Roshmia is about an elderly Palestinian refugee couple in a final standoff with the Israeli authorities to maintain their lifestyle in Roshmia, the last natural valley in Haifa. Yousef and his wife Amna, who originally descends from the gypsies of Palestine, have lived in a shack all alone in their eighties since 1956 in what seems to be a life of serenity, far away from the loudness of modern life.
Life remains peaceful in Roshmia until the Israeli authorities endorse a new road project and order to confiscate their land, demolish their shack and throw them out.
Audiences will also be treated to two Egyptian features films by filmmakers Amir Ramses and Ahmed Rashwan. A selection of short films throughout the festival will showcase some great new emerging talent including work by young Moroccan filmmaker, Abdelali Debbagh.
One of the highlights of the festival this year is the film, Chaïbia, directed by Youssef Britel which tells the true store of Chaïbia Talal, the famous Moroccan painter who spends her childhood and adolescence in poverty. Illiterate and poor her life is cruel and hard. She was married and widowed with a child by the age of 15 after her family forced her to marry a 70-year-old man.
The artist, whose colourful and abstract works have been likened to those of Pablo Picasso is considered to be one of the greatest Moroccan painters of the 20th century. Her style depicted women through vibrant displays of colour and established her as one of Morocco’s most well-known and respected artists. This movie is screened for the francophone audience in Ireland, free of charge.
Two special film screenings have been sponsored by the DAFF cultural partner, the Chester Beatty Library and they include ‘It Must Be Heaven’ and ‘Luxor’ which will both be free to watch on the Dublin Arabic Film Festival website.
Jim Sheridan, DAFF President said, “The medium of film provides us with an escape mechanism and in these strange times it’s important to be able to escape, even in our minds and even if just for a short time.
We were very hopeful to have the event in person this year, but unfortunately due to Covid it is once again a virtual affair. However, even though people can’t few these films in person in the cinema our films can still be enjoyed online by our virtual audience from the comfort of their own home. We hope DAFF, its films and the stories and people they portray will continue to inspire audiences and help bring a welcome and creative distraction from the current situation.” Zahara Moufid, DAFF Director added, “The main goal of the festival this year is to give a voice to Arab women and to female Arab filmmakers, we hope the films and the stories they tell will let their work be seen and their voices be heard”.
Colm McLoughlin Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, the presenting sponsor of DAFF offered his congratulations to the festival organisers and said, “I am very impressed with the innovation and determination shown by both Jim Sheridan and Zahara Moufid in proceeding with DAFF in these challenging times. I would like to congratulate all involved and am once again delighted that Dubai Duty Free is the presenting sponsor of DAFF for the eighth year running.”
Ahmad Younis, Secretary General and CEO of the Arab- Irish Chamber of Commerce said, “The AICC has been a sponsor of DAFF since the festival began in 2014. During this time, we have been proud to have been able to share some of our most beloved Arab films with Irish audiences. Our involvement with DAFF allows us to strengthen our Arab- Irish relationships and helps strengthen both our business and cultural ties. I have just returned from Expo in the UAE where Ireland has been on the world stage promoting our culture and business prowess.
The interest and engagement with Ireland and the Arab world is growing all the time and we know that film has a unique ability to travel, to cross borders and to create an engagement with people of all cultures in a way that other mediums cannot. There is a great selection of films at DAFF this year with films from all over the Arab world including Egypt, Morocco, Palestine and the UAE to mention but a few and we look forward to viewing them”.
For more information please see www.dublinarabicfilmfestival.com
Films cost €7 per film, or a digital season pass can be purchased from the DAFF website for €15.
-ENDS-For further press information, photography or to interview Zahara Moufid or Jim Sheridan about DAFF please contact Aileen O’Brien, O’Brien PR (086) 8403624 [email protected]
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
January 2021
JIM SHERIDAN INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM COMPETITION
Multi Oscar nominee, Jim Sheridan together with filmmaker, Zahara Moufid have announced the winners in this years ‘Jim Sheridan International Short Film Competition’. The inaugural competition was open to filmmakers across the globe who were invited to submit up to a 20- minute, original short film.
Zahara Moufid said, “There were large numbers of films entered into the competition which is phenomenal. Initially, a long list of 50 films were selected by our partners at the Waterford Film Festival . The second-round selection involved Jim Sheridan and the team selecting 20 films from the long list which in turn led to our final selection. We were absolutely blown away by the talent displayed and want to sincerely thank everyone for their submissions”, said Zahara.
The ‘Best Short Film’ was The Present, directed by Farah Nabulshi and produced by Ossama Bawardi and Farah Nabulshi. The film shows how Palestinians suffer every day due to Israeli occupation and sheds light on how Palestinian people are deprived of the basic right to freedom of movement.
The film follows a father and his young daughter as they attempt to run their daily errands and purchase a present for the man’s wife. Jim Sheridan said, “Zahara had seen this film before me and told me it was really good and she was absolutely right. The film is thought provoking and highly emotive.
Zahara and I would like to congratulate Farah Nabulshi and Ossama Bawardi and their team on creating such a good piece of work”
The Runner up for Best Short Film went to Lady on the Hill, directed by Brian Rossney and produced by Edwina Forkin and Liam Beatty. Zahara Moufid said, “Lady on the Hill manages to tell an incredible story of loss, grief and resilience without a single word being uttered throughout the film. The acting, cinematography and story telling ability displayed throughout the film was gripping and this film is one that will go around and around in your mind for a long time.”
The Best Student/ Debut Film went to Birthday Girl, directed by Portia A. Buckley. The film is set in in Manchester’s notorious Moss Side and is about a single mother’s 43rd birthday party which ends in disaster when her lover unexpectedly arrives and clashes with her overprotective son. “We loved this film, it has a great creative energy and an intensity that reels the viewer in right from the start,” said Jim Sheridan.
1st Special Mention for Debut/Short Film went to 1 Billion, directed by Dave Thomas. 2nd Special Mention for Best Short Film was Mare Nostrum, directed by Rana Kazkaz and Anas Khalaf and 3rd Special Mention was A White Horse, directed by Shaun O’Connor.
In the Highly Commended category laureates went to Innocent Boy by John Connors and Produced by Tiernan Williams. Also Highly Commended were Cillín, directed by Karin Pritzel and produced by Cian Byrne, A Better You by Eamon Murphy and Quintin Ahern and A Reasonable Effort directed by Erik Marcon, starring Daire El Sibai.
Jim Sheridan, said, “The pandemic has affected all of us in so many ways, life as we know it has changed utterly and I wonder if we will ever be the same? Film has played an essential role for so many people, particularly through the various lockdowns of 2020 and now again in 2021. The medium of film provides us with an escape mechanism and in these strange times it’s important to be able to escape… even in our minds and even just for a short time. Congratulations to all the winners and indeed to everyone who entered. It’s really heartening to see that people are still being creative and are honing their skills and their art and thanks to our team and to our partner jury from Waterford Film Festival .”
-ENDS-
The eighth annual Dublin Arabic Film Festival (DAFF) curated by Oscar-nominated filmmaker, Jim Sheridan and film director, Zahara Moufid, will run online from the 8th-12th of December 2021. Six feature length and eight short Arab films will be shown on www.dublinarabicfilmfestivalonline.com
Zahara Moufid and Jim Sheridan established DAFF in 2014 in a bid to allow Irish audiences the opportunity to enjoy some of the best new and classic Arab films ever made. The festival, which has been presented and supported since its inception by Dubai Duty Free, has had some very high-profile actors, filmmakers and celebrities involved with it over the years. Legendary, actor Omar Sharif launched the inaugural edition of DAFF in 2014. Other famous faces who have supported the festival over the years have included The Edge, actress Fionnuala Flanagan, singer Damien Dempsey and Liam Cunningham of ‘Game of Throne’s’ fame.
This year, the festival has included several films which explore the lives of Arab women who are often restricted by the confines of their own families and the society in which they live. These films not only shine a light on the lives of Arab women but also gives audiences the chance to see the work of some of the most prominent female Arab filmmakers.
Palestinian features include two fantastic feature films Emwas: Restoring memories and Roshmia, a feature documentary by Salim AuJabal Emwas: Restoring memories is a personal film that follows the journey of the director, Dima Abu Ghoush, as she rebuilds her demolished hometown from the memories of its people.
Roshmia is about an elderly Palestinian refugee couple in a final standoff with the Israeli authorities to maintain their lifestyle in Roshmia, the last natural valley in Haifa. Yousef and his wife Amna, who originally descends from the gypsies of Palestine, have lived in a shack all alone in their eighties since 1956 in what seems to be a life of serenity, far away from the loudness of modern life.
Life remains peaceful in Roshmia until the Israeli authorities endorse a new road project and order to confiscate their land, demolish their shack and throw them out.
Audiences will also be treated to two Egyptian features films by filmmakers Amir Ramses and Ahmed Rashwan. A selection of short films throughout the festival will showcase some great new emerging talent including work by young Moroccan filmmaker, Abdelali Debbagh.
One of the highlights of the festival this year is the film, Chaïbia, directed by Youssef Britel which tells the true store of Chaïbia Talal, the famous Moroccan painter who spends her childhood and adolescence in poverty. Illiterate and poor her life is cruel and hard. She was married and widowed with a child by the age of 15 after her family forced her to marry a 70-year-old man.
The artist, whose colourful and abstract works have been likened to those of Pablo Picasso is considered to be one of the greatest Moroccan painters of the 20th century. Her style depicted women through vibrant displays of colour and established her as one of Morocco’s most well-known and respected artists. This movie is screened for the francophone audience in Ireland, free of charge.
Two special film screenings have been sponsored by the DAFF cultural partner, the Chester Beatty Library and they include ‘It Must Be Heaven’ and ‘Luxor’ which will both be free to watch on the Dublin Arabic Film Festival website.
Jim Sheridan, DAFF President said, “The medium of film provides us with an escape mechanism and in these strange times it’s important to be able to escape, even in our minds and even if just for a short time.
We were very hopeful to have the event in person this year, but unfortunately due to Covid it is once again a virtual affair. However, even though people can’t few these films in person in the cinema our films can still be enjoyed online by our virtual audience from the comfort of their own home. We hope DAFF, its films and the stories and people they portray will continue to inspire audiences and help bring a welcome and creative distraction from the current situation.” Zahara Moufid, DAFF Director added, “The main goal of the festival this year is to give a voice to Arab women and to female Arab filmmakers, we hope the films and the stories they tell will let their work be seen and their voices be heard”.
Colm McLoughlin Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, the presenting sponsor of DAFF offered his congratulations to the festival organisers and said, “I am very impressed with the innovation and determination shown by both Jim Sheridan and Zahara Moufid in proceeding with DAFF in these challenging times. I would like to congratulate all involved and am once again delighted that Dubai Duty Free is the presenting sponsor of DAFF for the eighth year running.”
Ahmad Younis, Secretary General and CEO of the Arab- Irish Chamber of Commerce said, “The AICC has been a sponsor of DAFF since the festival began in 2014. During this time, we have been proud to have been able to share some of our most beloved Arab films with Irish audiences. Our involvement with DAFF allows us to strengthen our Arab- Irish relationships and helps strengthen both our business and cultural ties. I have just returned from Expo in the UAE where Ireland has been on the world stage promoting our culture and business prowess.
The interest and engagement with Ireland and the Arab world is growing all the time and we know that film has a unique ability to travel, to cross borders and to create an engagement with people of all cultures in a way that other mediums cannot. There is a great selection of films at DAFF this year with films from all over the Arab world including Egypt, Morocco, Palestine and the UAE to mention but a few and we look forward to viewing them”.
For more information please see www.dublinarabicfilmfestival.com
Films cost €7 per film, or a digital season pass can be purchased from the DAFF website for €15.
-ENDS-For further press information, photography or to interview Zahara Moufid or Jim Sheridan about DAFF please contact Aileen O’Brien, O’Brien PR (086) 8403624 [email protected]
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
January 2021
JIM SHERIDAN INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM COMPETITION
Multi Oscar nominee, Jim Sheridan together with filmmaker, Zahara Moufid have announced the winners in this years ‘Jim Sheridan International Short Film Competition’. The inaugural competition was open to filmmakers across the globe who were invited to submit up to a 20- minute, original short film.
Zahara Moufid said, “There were large numbers of films entered into the competition which is phenomenal. Initially, a long list of 50 films were selected by our partners at the Waterford Film Festival . The second-round selection involved Jim Sheridan and the team selecting 20 films from the long list which in turn led to our final selection. We were absolutely blown away by the talent displayed and want to sincerely thank everyone for their submissions”, said Zahara.
The ‘Best Short Film’ was The Present, directed by Farah Nabulshi and produced by Ossama Bawardi and Farah Nabulshi. The film shows how Palestinians suffer every day due to Israeli occupation and sheds light on how Palestinian people are deprived of the basic right to freedom of movement.
The film follows a father and his young daughter as they attempt to run their daily errands and purchase a present for the man’s wife. Jim Sheridan said, “Zahara had seen this film before me and told me it was really good and she was absolutely right. The film is thought provoking and highly emotive.
Zahara and I would like to congratulate Farah Nabulshi and Ossama Bawardi and their team on creating such a good piece of work”
The Runner up for Best Short Film went to Lady on the Hill, directed by Brian Rossney and produced by Edwina Forkin and Liam Beatty. Zahara Moufid said, “Lady on the Hill manages to tell an incredible story of loss, grief and resilience without a single word being uttered throughout the film. The acting, cinematography and story telling ability displayed throughout the film was gripping and this film is one that will go around and around in your mind for a long time.”
The Best Student/ Debut Film went to Birthday Girl, directed by Portia A. Buckley. The film is set in in Manchester’s notorious Moss Side and is about a single mother’s 43rd birthday party which ends in disaster when her lover unexpectedly arrives and clashes with her overprotective son. “We loved this film, it has a great creative energy and an intensity that reels the viewer in right from the start,” said Jim Sheridan.
1st Special Mention for Debut/Short Film went to 1 Billion, directed by Dave Thomas. 2nd Special Mention for Best Short Film was Mare Nostrum, directed by Rana Kazkaz and Anas Khalaf and 3rd Special Mention was A White Horse, directed by Shaun O’Connor.
In the Highly Commended category laureates went to Innocent Boy by John Connors and Produced by Tiernan Williams. Also Highly Commended were Cillín, directed by Karin Pritzel and produced by Cian Byrne, A Better You by Eamon Murphy and Quintin Ahern and A Reasonable Effort directed by Erik Marcon, starring Daire El Sibai.
Jim Sheridan, said, “The pandemic has affected all of us in so many ways, life as we know it has changed utterly and I wonder if we will ever be the same? Film has played an essential role for so many people, particularly through the various lockdowns of 2020 and now again in 2021. The medium of film provides us with an escape mechanism and in these strange times it’s important to be able to escape… even in our minds and even just for a short time. Congratulations to all the winners and indeed to everyone who entered. It’s really heartening to see that people are still being creative and are honing their skills and their art and thanks to our team and to our partner jury from Waterford Film Festival .”
-ENDS-
10th November 2020
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ZAHARA MOUFID AND JIM SHERIDAN’S DUBLIN ARABIC FILM FESTIVAL GOES VIRTUAL
The Jim Sheridan International Short Film Competition – Newest Addition to Dublin Arabic Film Festival, Presented by Dubai Duty Free.
The Dublin Arabic Film Festival (DAFF), presented by Dubai Duty Free, will run online from the 11-13th December 2020. Five feature length Arab films will be shown on the Festival’s website www.dublinarabicfilmfestival.com while The Chester Beatty Library in Dublin and the French Embassy will show Arabic/ French films during the festival. The embassy will offer one or two films for free for schools to screen online. The final film programme for DAFF will be announced in mid-November and audiences should keep an eye on the Festival’s website and social media for details.
Zahara Moufid and Jim Sheridan established DAFF in 2014 in a bid to allow Irish audiences the opportunity to enjoy some of the best new and classic Arab films ever made. The Festival, which has been presented and supported since its inception by Dubai Duty Free, has had some very high-profile actors, filmmakers and celebrities involved with it over the years. Legendary actor Omar Sharif launched the inaugural edition of DAFF in 2014 and was the guest of honour for the duration of the festival. The Egyptian actor was due to return to Ireland for the 2015 festival but sadly died in the summer of 2015. The Egyptian film star was subsequently represented by his eponymous grandson, Omar Sharif Junior. Other famous faces who have supported the festival over the years have included The Edge, actress Fionnula Flanagan, singer Damien Dempsey and last year’s patron, Liam Cunningham of ‘Game of Throne’s’ fame.
An additional, exciting element has been added to this year’s film festival, ‘The Jim Sheridan International Short Film Competition’ which has been created by Zahara Moufid and Jim Sheridan in order to inspire young filmmakers around the world. Aspiring filmmakers are invited to submit up to 20 minute original short films which explores the themes of Arabic culture, human rights, injustices, immigrant life, displacement, or which helps to create awareness of the plight of underprivileged women and girls. The competition will consider live action, documentaries, and animation of the aforementioned themes. Entrants will have their work viewed and judged by distinguished professionals from the film industry.
The last selection of five shorts will be judged by Jim Sheridan, Omar Sharif Jnr and Zahara Moufid.
The short films may be viewed online between Fri 22 Jan -Sun 24th Jan 2021 and the winners will be announced on Facebook Live on the eve of the final day.
The overall Short Film Competition winner will win a one-on-one virtual mentoring session with Jim Sheridan and will automatically qualify to screen their work at the Waterford Film Festival in 2021. Runner up prizes will be awarded and all finalists will receive official certificates to mark their achievements. Entry details can be found on www.dublinarabicfilmfestival.com
Jim Sheridan, DAFF President said, “The pandemic has affected all of us in so many ways, life as we know it has changed utterly and I wonder if we'll ever be the same. Film has played an essential role for so many people, particularly through the various lockdowns of 2020. The medium of film provides us with an escape mechanism and in these strange times it’s important to be able to escape, even in our minds and even if just for a short time.
We felt this year was particularly important to run the festival. So many things have been cancelled or postponed we wanted to give people something to look forward to. Additionally, The Short Film Competition will hopefully inspire young filmmakers and I look forward to seeing the submissions''.
Zahara Moufid, DAFF Festival Director said, “We are delighted to be in a position to be able to go ahead with the festival and I would like to pay tribute to everyone who has supported us, particularly Dubai Duty Free, The Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce and Dublin City Council who have sponsored us from the very beginning. It’s definitely a challenging year for the film industry and for the arts industry as a whole, however the role of film and its importance for mental health and cultural awareness cannot be underestimated.
I am delighted to add two new elements to our festival, The Jim Sheridan International Short Film Competition and our latest collaboration with The French Embassy involving film screenings in schools. We will announce the full schedule and programme of films in the coming weeks and are confident that Irish audiences will enjoy the films as much as we did.”
Colm McLoughlin Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, the presenting sponsor of DAFF offered his congratulations to the festival organisers and said, “I am very impressed with the innovation and determination shown by both Jim Sheridan and Zahara Moufid in these challenging times. I would like to congratulate all involved and are once again delighted that Dubai Duty Free is the presenting sponsor of DAFF for the seventh year running.”
Ahmad Younis, Secretary General and CEO of the Arab- Irish Chamber of Commerce said, “The AICC has been a sponsor of DAFF since its inception in 2014. During this time, we have been proud to have been able to share some of our most beloved Arab films with Irish audiences. Our involvement with DAFF allows us to strengthen our Arab- Irish relationships and helps strengthen both our business and cultural ties.”
H.E. Vincent Guérend, French Ambassador to Ireland said, “The French Embassy in Ireland is proud to collaborate again with DAFF. Relations between France and Arab countries are deeply rooted and our cultures largely intertwined. The films selected are a formidable illustration of this reality. We are grateful to Zahara Moufid and to Jim Sheridan for associating us to this event.” For more information see www.dublinarabicfilmfestival.com
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors
About the Dublin Arabic Film Festival, Presented by Dubai Duty Free
The seventh event of its kind in Ireland, DAFF, Presented by Dubai Duty Free will take place online from the 11-13th December 2020. With festival director Zahara Moufid at the helm and Oscar nominated film producer Jim Sheridan serving as Festival President, DAFF Presented by Dubai Duty Free, celebrates some of the best feature films the Arab world has to offer. The very first festival featured a visit to Ireland by legendary movie icon, Omar Sharif in 2014. For more details see www.dublinarabicfilmfestival.com
SPONSORS
Dubai Duty Free - Presenting Sponsor Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce Dublin City Council Hell’s Kitchen
SUPPORTERS/CULTURAL PARTNERS
Ambassade de France en Irlande
Chester Beatty
14 October 2019
OSCAR NOMINATED JIM SHERIDAN AND FILMMAKER ZAHARA MOUFID PROMISE FILM COLLABORATION BETWEEN IRELAND AND ARAB COUNTRIES
The sixth annual Dublin Arabic Film Festival (DAFF), presented by Dubai Duty Free with Liam Cunnigham as the patron, Oscar Nominated Filmmaker Jim Sheridan , President of the festival who curates the festival along with the critically acclaimed documentary Filmmaker Zahara Moufid since its inception in 2014 when the festival has been opened by the internationally renowned Egyptian Actor Omar Sharif . The festival has been met with enthusiasm by international actors and directors.
DAFF has proved to be a great success since its inaugural year in 2014. Over the past six years, DAFF has attracted dedicated film fans, directors and actors from all over the world including Dubai, Egypt and Morocco.
Commenting on this year ‘s opening night , Festival President Jim Sheridan said, “ I want to take this opportunity to thank Zahara Moufid who co-curates this festival with me, it was her idea to start an Arab film festival to get challenge the stereotype of Arab person always cast as a terrorist and to shine a light on the wonderful Arabic Culture and Cinema. And recently she asked me to join with herself and our friend Omar Sharif Jr to start cinematic collaborations between Arab countries and Ireland, so we are working on that.
In such turbulent times in the Arab World, it is so important to show the creative talent that the region has to offer.
He continued “I also want to thank our Presenting sponsor Dubai Duty Free, our main sponsor Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce and our other sponsors. Thank you for your continued support for this very important project. We look forward to seeing you next year with our next Edition of the Dublin Arabic Film Festival"
Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, the presenting sponsor of DAFF said, “Dubai Duty Free is happy to be the presenting sponsor of the Dublin Arabic Film Festival once again. We first started our sponsorship of the festival in 2014. That year, the legendary Omar Sharif was the guest of honor and helped to promote the great work that Arab filmmakers and actors are doing all around the world. This festival has continued to promote Arab culture through the medium of film and fits with our sponsorship portfolio of the arts and cultural events. We wish the curators of the festival, Zahara Moufid and Jim Sheridan the very best of luck in their endeavors and look forward to next years to come of great festival of film and culture.”
-ENDS
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Jim Sheridan and Filmmaker , Zahara Moufid are also available for interviews as well as Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, Enda Corneille or Ahmad Younis of the Arab-Irish Chamber of Commerce and Ross Keane, Director of the IFI.
For any IFI media requests, please contact Stephen Boylan on (01) 679 5744 or email [email protected]
Notes to Editors
About the Dublin Arabic Film Festival, Presented by Dubai Duty Free
The event of its kind in Ireland, DAFF, Presented by Dubai Duty Free takes place at The Irish Film Institute and the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin.
With Filmmaker and Founder of the festival Zahara Moufid at the helm and Oscar nominated movie producer Jim Sheridan serving as Festival President DAFF, Presented by Dubai Duty Free, celebrates some of the best feature films the Arab world has to offer. The very first festival featured a visit to Ireland by legendary movie icon, Omar Sharif in 2014. For more details see dublinarabicfilmfestival.com
About Dubai Duty Free
Dubai Duty Free which was founded on 20th December 1983, recorded first-year sales of US$20 million, has grown into one of the biggest travel retail operators in the world with sales turnover of US$2.015 billion in 2018.
Now employing over 6,000 people, the operation has consistently raised the benchmark for airport retailing and it continues to grow. Dubai Duty Free currently operates some 38,000sqm of retail space at Dubai International Airport and 4,000 sqm at Al Maktoum International that will grow in line with the massive development plans of Dubai South.
In addition to its retail operation, Dubai Duty Free operates a Leisure Division which includes The Irish Village, both in Garhoud, Riverland Dubai and Studio One, The Century Village, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium and The Jumeirah Creekside Hotel.
While the successful running of the shopfloor is a major focus for Dubai Duty Free, the operation is highly committed to promoting Dubai through a series of high level sporting events including the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.
To date, Dubai Duty Free has received 700 awards including the Frontier Awards for ‘Airport Retailer of the Year’, which was won by the operation for a remarkable ninth time.
On personal level, Dubai Duty Free’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Colm McLoughlin was recently honoured by Kildare County Council for his outstanding contribution to County Kildare through Dubai Duty Free’s sponsorship of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Kildare) for the past twelve years and Dubai Duty Free Irish Open held in The K Club in 2016.
In Ireland, Dubai Duty Free also sponsors the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.
About The IFI
The Irish Film Institute is Ireland’s national cultural institution for film. It provides audiences throughout Ireland with access to the finest independent, Irish and international cinema; it preserves and promotes Ireland’s moving image heritage through the IFI Irish Film Archive, and provides opportunities for audiences of all ages and backgrounds to learn and critically engage with film. IFI is principally funded by the Arts Council.
Sponsors of DAFF:
Dubai Duty Free (Presenting Sponsor)
Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce
Hell’s Kitchen
Dublin City Council
Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
Zahara Moufid and Jim Sheridan established DAFF in 2014 in a bid to allow Irish audiences the opportunity to enjoy some of the best new and classic Arab films ever made. The Festival, which has been presented and supported since its inception by Dubai Duty Free, has had some very high-profile actors, filmmakers and celebrities involved with it over the years. Legendary actor Omar Sharif launched the inaugural edition of DAFF in 2014 and was the guest of honour for the duration of the festival. The Egyptian actor was due to return to Ireland for the 2015 festival but sadly died in the summer of 2015. The Egyptian film star was subsequently represented by his eponymous grandson, Omar Sharif Junior. Other famous faces who have supported the festival over the years have included The Edge, actress Fionnula Flanagan, singer Damien Dempsey and last year’s patron, Liam Cunningham of ‘Game of Throne’s’ fame.
An additional, exciting element has been added to this year’s film festival, ‘The Jim Sheridan International Short Film Competition’ which has been created by Zahara Moufid and Jim Sheridan in order to inspire young filmmakers around the world. Aspiring filmmakers are invited to submit up to 20 minute original short films which explores the themes of Arabic culture, human rights, injustices, immigrant life, displacement, or which helps to create awareness of the plight of underprivileged women and girls. The competition will consider live action, documentaries, and animation of the aforementioned themes. Entrants will have their work viewed and judged by distinguished professionals from the film industry.
The last selection of five shorts will be judged by Jim Sheridan, Omar Sharif Jnr and Zahara Moufid.
The short films may be viewed online between Fri 22 Jan -Sun 24th Jan 2021 and the winners will be announced on Facebook Live on the eve of the final day.
The overall Short Film Competition winner will win a one-on-one virtual mentoring session with Jim Sheridan and will automatically qualify to screen their work at the Waterford Film Festival in 2021. Runner up prizes will be awarded and all finalists will receive official certificates to mark their achievements. Entry details can be found on www.dublinarabicfilmfestival.com
Jim Sheridan, DAFF President said, “The pandemic has affected all of us in so many ways, life as we know it has changed utterly and I wonder if we'll ever be the same. Film has played an essential role for so many people, particularly through the various lockdowns of 2020. The medium of film provides us with an escape mechanism and in these strange times it’s important to be able to escape, even in our minds and even if just for a short time.
We felt this year was particularly important to run the festival. So many things have been cancelled or postponed we wanted to give people something to look forward to. Additionally, The Short Film Competition will hopefully inspire young filmmakers and I look forward to seeing the submissions''.
Zahara Moufid, DAFF Festival Director said, “We are delighted to be in a position to be able to go ahead with the festival and I would like to pay tribute to everyone who has supported us, particularly Dubai Duty Free, The Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce and Dublin City Council who have sponsored us from the very beginning. It’s definitely a challenging year for the film industry and for the arts industry as a whole, however the role of film and its importance for mental health and cultural awareness cannot be underestimated.
I am delighted to add two new elements to our festival, The Jim Sheridan International Short Film Competition and our latest collaboration with The French Embassy involving film screenings in schools. We will announce the full schedule and programme of films in the coming weeks and are confident that Irish audiences will enjoy the films as much as we did.”
Colm McLoughlin Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, the presenting sponsor of DAFF offered his congratulations to the festival organisers and said, “I am very impressed with the innovation and determination shown by both Jim Sheridan and Zahara Moufid in these challenging times. I would like to congratulate all involved and are once again delighted that Dubai Duty Free is the presenting sponsor of DAFF for the seventh year running.”
Ahmad Younis, Secretary General and CEO of the Arab- Irish Chamber of Commerce said, “The AICC has been a sponsor of DAFF since its inception in 2014. During this time, we have been proud to have been able to share some of our most beloved Arab films with Irish audiences. Our involvement with DAFF allows us to strengthen our Arab- Irish relationships and helps strengthen both our business and cultural ties.”
H.E. Vincent Guérend, French Ambassador to Ireland said, “The French Embassy in Ireland is proud to collaborate again with DAFF. Relations between France and Arab countries are deeply rooted and our cultures largely intertwined. The films selected are a formidable illustration of this reality. We are grateful to Zahara Moufid and to Jim Sheridan for associating us to this event.” For more information see www.dublinarabicfilmfestival.com
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors
About the Dublin Arabic Film Festival, Presented by Dubai Duty Free
The seventh event of its kind in Ireland, DAFF, Presented by Dubai Duty Free will take place online from the 11-13th December 2020. With festival director Zahara Moufid at the helm and Oscar nominated film producer Jim Sheridan serving as Festival President, DAFF Presented by Dubai Duty Free, celebrates some of the best feature films the Arab world has to offer. The very first festival featured a visit to Ireland by legendary movie icon, Omar Sharif in 2014. For more details see www.dublinarabicfilmfestival.com
SPONSORS
Dubai Duty Free - Presenting Sponsor Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce Dublin City Council Hell’s Kitchen
SUPPORTERS/CULTURAL PARTNERS
Ambassade de France en Irlande
Chester Beatty
14 October 2019
OSCAR NOMINATED JIM SHERIDAN AND FILMMAKER ZAHARA MOUFID PROMISE FILM COLLABORATION BETWEEN IRELAND AND ARAB COUNTRIES
The sixth annual Dublin Arabic Film Festival (DAFF), presented by Dubai Duty Free with Liam Cunnigham as the patron, Oscar Nominated Filmmaker Jim Sheridan , President of the festival who curates the festival along with the critically acclaimed documentary Filmmaker Zahara Moufid since its inception in 2014 when the festival has been opened by the internationally renowned Egyptian Actor Omar Sharif . The festival has been met with enthusiasm by international actors and directors.
DAFF has proved to be a great success since its inaugural year in 2014. Over the past six years, DAFF has attracted dedicated film fans, directors and actors from all over the world including Dubai, Egypt and Morocco.
Commenting on this year ‘s opening night , Festival President Jim Sheridan said, “ I want to take this opportunity to thank Zahara Moufid who co-curates this festival with me, it was her idea to start an Arab film festival to get challenge the stereotype of Arab person always cast as a terrorist and to shine a light on the wonderful Arabic Culture and Cinema. And recently she asked me to join with herself and our friend Omar Sharif Jr to start cinematic collaborations between Arab countries and Ireland, so we are working on that.
In such turbulent times in the Arab World, it is so important to show the creative talent that the region has to offer.
He continued “I also want to thank our Presenting sponsor Dubai Duty Free, our main sponsor Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce and our other sponsors. Thank you for your continued support for this very important project. We look forward to seeing you next year with our next Edition of the Dublin Arabic Film Festival"
Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, the presenting sponsor of DAFF said, “Dubai Duty Free is happy to be the presenting sponsor of the Dublin Arabic Film Festival once again. We first started our sponsorship of the festival in 2014. That year, the legendary Omar Sharif was the guest of honor and helped to promote the great work that Arab filmmakers and actors are doing all around the world. This festival has continued to promote Arab culture through the medium of film and fits with our sponsorship portfolio of the arts and cultural events. We wish the curators of the festival, Zahara Moufid and Jim Sheridan the very best of luck in their endeavors and look forward to next years to come of great festival of film and culture.”
-ENDS
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Jim Sheridan and Filmmaker , Zahara Moufid are also available for interviews as well as Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, Enda Corneille or Ahmad Younis of the Arab-Irish Chamber of Commerce and Ross Keane, Director of the IFI.
For any IFI media requests, please contact Stephen Boylan on (01) 679 5744 or email [email protected]
Notes to Editors
About the Dublin Arabic Film Festival, Presented by Dubai Duty Free
The event of its kind in Ireland, DAFF, Presented by Dubai Duty Free takes place at The Irish Film Institute and the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin.
With Filmmaker and Founder of the festival Zahara Moufid at the helm and Oscar nominated movie producer Jim Sheridan serving as Festival President DAFF, Presented by Dubai Duty Free, celebrates some of the best feature films the Arab world has to offer. The very first festival featured a visit to Ireland by legendary movie icon, Omar Sharif in 2014. For more details see dublinarabicfilmfestival.com
About Dubai Duty Free
Dubai Duty Free which was founded on 20th December 1983, recorded first-year sales of US$20 million, has grown into one of the biggest travel retail operators in the world with sales turnover of US$2.015 billion in 2018.
Now employing over 6,000 people, the operation has consistently raised the benchmark for airport retailing and it continues to grow. Dubai Duty Free currently operates some 38,000sqm of retail space at Dubai International Airport and 4,000 sqm at Al Maktoum International that will grow in line with the massive development plans of Dubai South.
In addition to its retail operation, Dubai Duty Free operates a Leisure Division which includes The Irish Village, both in Garhoud, Riverland Dubai and Studio One, The Century Village, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium and The Jumeirah Creekside Hotel.
While the successful running of the shopfloor is a major focus for Dubai Duty Free, the operation is highly committed to promoting Dubai through a series of high level sporting events including the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.
To date, Dubai Duty Free has received 700 awards including the Frontier Awards for ‘Airport Retailer of the Year’, which was won by the operation for a remarkable ninth time.
On personal level, Dubai Duty Free’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Colm McLoughlin was recently honoured by Kildare County Council for his outstanding contribution to County Kildare through Dubai Duty Free’s sponsorship of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Kildare) for the past twelve years and Dubai Duty Free Irish Open held in The K Club in 2016.
In Ireland, Dubai Duty Free also sponsors the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.
About The IFI
The Irish Film Institute is Ireland’s national cultural institution for film. It provides audiences throughout Ireland with access to the finest independent, Irish and international cinema; it preserves and promotes Ireland’s moving image heritage through the IFI Irish Film Archive, and provides opportunities for audiences of all ages and backgrounds to learn and critically engage with film. IFI is principally funded by the Arts Council.
Sponsors of DAFF:
Dubai Duty Free (Presenting Sponsor)
Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce
Hell’s Kitchen
Dublin City Council
Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
|
|
|
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/movies/omar-sharif-tells-of-pain-at-passing-of-friend-otoole-30258710.html?fbclid=IwAR3Q0XzJ_yjXGqyMJvOOEuNShZi-BHqJY81ZbG26e8Dcp08z6XB-Uokw0Ng
https://www.hotpress.com/culture/zahara-moufid-and-jim-sheridans-dublin-arabic-film-festival-to-go-online-in-december-22832600
www.albayan.ae/five-senses/cinema/2019-10-08-1.3668943
www.albayan.ae/five-senses/cinema/2019-10-07-1.3667976
www.albayan.ae/five-senses/east-and-west/2019-10-06-1.3666649
www.dublinlive.ie/whats-on/film-news/ifi-dublin-arabic-film-festival-17004402
www.universitytimes.ie/2019/10/dublin-arabic-film-festival-returns-to-ifi-for-a-sixth-year/
www.travelirelandmagazine.com/dublin-arabic-film-festival-2019/
www.whatsonin.ie/event/dublin-arabic-film-festival/
www.filmindublin.ie/the-dublin-arabic-film-festival-back-in-the-ifi-in-early-oct/
www.gqmiddleeast.com/culture/everything-you-need-to-see-at-dublins-arabic-film-festival-the-daff
www.msn.com/en-ie/entertainment/story/dublin-arabic-film-festival-returns-with-a-brilliant-lineup/ar-AAI3Nem?li=BBr5RWH
www.iftn.ie/finance/insurance/financeinsurance_sub/InsuranceInfo/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4292988&tpl=archnews&force=1
www.dublincityfm.ie/october-community-guide/
www.dublinpeople.com/entertainment/roundup/articles/2019/10/01/4180230-happenings/
scannain.com/irish/festival/dublin-arabic-film-festival-19/
www.theguardian.com/travel/2019/sep/30/dublin-ireland-locals-guide-moli-literature-museums-pubs-restaurants
www.lovindublin.com/dublin/pick-of-the-week-five-things-to-do-in-dublin-next-week
www.moodiedavittreport.com/dubai-duty-free-sponsors-sixth-edition-of-the-dublin-arabic-film-festival/
https://scannain.com/irish/festival/dublin-arabic-film-festival-19/
https://www.hotpress.com/culture/zahara-moufid-and-jim-sheridans-dublin-arabic-film-festival-to-go-online-in-december-22832600
www.albayan.ae/five-senses/cinema/2019-10-08-1.3668943
www.albayan.ae/five-senses/cinema/2019-10-07-1.3667976
www.albayan.ae/five-senses/east-and-west/2019-10-06-1.3666649
www.dublinlive.ie/whats-on/film-news/ifi-dublin-arabic-film-festival-17004402
www.universitytimes.ie/2019/10/dublin-arabic-film-festival-returns-to-ifi-for-a-sixth-year/
www.travelirelandmagazine.com/dublin-arabic-film-festival-2019/
www.whatsonin.ie/event/dublin-arabic-film-festival/
www.filmindublin.ie/the-dublin-arabic-film-festival-back-in-the-ifi-in-early-oct/
www.gqmiddleeast.com/culture/everything-you-need-to-see-at-dublins-arabic-film-festival-the-daff
www.msn.com/en-ie/entertainment/story/dublin-arabic-film-festival-returns-with-a-brilliant-lineup/ar-AAI3Nem?li=BBr5RWH
www.iftn.ie/finance/insurance/financeinsurance_sub/InsuranceInfo/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4292988&tpl=archnews&force=1
www.dublincityfm.ie/october-community-guide/
www.dublinpeople.com/entertainment/roundup/articles/2019/10/01/4180230-happenings/
scannain.com/irish/festival/dublin-arabic-film-festival-19/
www.theguardian.com/travel/2019/sep/30/dublin-ireland-locals-guide-moli-literature-museums-pubs-restaurants
www.lovindublin.com/dublin/pick-of-the-week-five-things-to-do-in-dublin-next-week
www.moodiedavittreport.com/dubai-duty-free-sponsors-sixth-edition-of-the-dublin-arabic-film-festival/
https://scannain.com/irish/festival/dublin-arabic-film-festival-19/