Dubai Film Festival: Moving Image

A day of discussion on the relationship between art and film is a new addition to the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) programme this year.

Moving Images, is a collaboration between DIFF, Sharjah Art Foundation and Art Dubai and is a full day dedicated to artists' films and filmmakers' art.

Speakers such as Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, the president and director of Sharjah Art Foundation, Omar Kholeif, a writer, curator and the founder of the UK’s Arab Film Festival and Hakim Belabbes, the director of the School of the Art, Institute of Chicago will discuss the role of arts foundations as well as directors, producers, critics, gallerists and distributors.

Set to take place on December 9 as part of the Dubai Film Market’s discussion programme, the partnership will continue through the year, with screenings in Dubai and Sharjah and with specially curated programmes at the Sharjah Art Foundation and Art Dubai in March next year.

“As the importance of film as a medium for artistic expression continues to grow, it is critical that artists are able to find support at all stages in the process from the early research and development of an idea through to the realisation and release of the final work to an audience,” said Sheikha Hoor.

Shivani Pandya the managing director of DIFF said: "Moving Images explores the intersection of visual art and film, two disciplines that are very closely linked. Visual aesthetic is a crucial part of cinema, with filmmakers using it to shape and create characters and worlds. Both art and film are exceptional mediums for encouraging thought, presenting new ideas, and inspiring audiences."

* DIFF runs from Friday until December 14. For more info visit: www.dubaifilmfest.com