Emiratis’ big showing in film awards

ABU DHABI // Emirati filmmakers have scooped up some of the major prizes on offer at this year’s Emirates Short Film Competition.

Part of the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the competition concluded its 12th edition with a glitzy ceremony at Emirates Palace hotel last night.

Dubai filmmaker Hamad Al Awar scooped the Best Emirati Film prize with Daddy ABC, a heart-warming animated short about a young father who realises raising children is hard work.

A beaming Al Awar was at the ceremony to receive his prize money, Dh50,000 in total, after also receiving the special jury award in the short narrative category.

“I am happy and proud,“ he said. “What makes this special for me is that it was animated film that won and I really want to thank the Abu Dhabi Film Commission and twofour54 for their support.

“I really believe animation is the future. It is my full-time job and my passion, and I hope it inspired others to take it up as well.”

This year’s short film competition was contested by 49 short films from 36 countries.

Other talented Emiratis took first prize in the short documentary competition.

Abu Dhabi’s Rafed Al Harthi and co-director Ray Haddad shared the Dh30,000 award for their entry Feeding Five Hundred.

The film follows the life of Sediq, a cat lover determined to feed up to 500 of his favourite animals every day.

The victory caps off an impressive rise for Al Harthi, 25, who started his media career as a volunteer on television projects before hosting his own variety show, Min Alkather, on Abu Dhabi TV.

Festival director Ali Al Jabri said he was proud of the calibre of entries this year.

“This competition has a special place in my heart,” Mr Al Jabri said. “The Emirates Film Competition is an important part of the festival.

“To see the great quality of films each year by Emirati and international directors is exciting. I am sure this is only the beginning for many of these talented filmmakers and the best is yet to come.”

In the student short documentary category, Abu Dhabi’s Reem Al Meqbali won first prize for her coming-of-age tale Oops.

The plot focuses on the lives of Emirati women as they struggle to assert themselves in the face of strict family traditions.

The Emirati filmmaker won a Dh20,000 cash prize.

“When I was making Oops I wasn’t thinking of winning or anything,” said Al Meqbali.

“I wanted to send a big message with it that woman can go out, dream and achieve anything they put their mind to.

“To see the film being accepted in this way is really good and important. It has all been a fantastic experience.”

Qatari director Mohammed Al Ibrahim was awarded first prize in the short narrative section with his entry Bidoon.

The film, which also won him an award for the best script, focuses on a secret romance between Aziz and Rana, two Qatar Foundation students from different classes.

When the lovestruck pair decide to declare their love, their families object strongly.

Al Ibrahim, working for the Doha Film Institute, received Dh40,000 in prize money.

For a list of all award the winners go to www.abudhabifilmfestival.ae.

The Abu Dhabi Film Festival runs until Saturday.

sasaeed@thenational.ae