DIFF Workshop Calls For Closer Regional Cooperation To Drive Film And Television Production In The GCC

A special workshop on ‘Film & TV production in the GCC’ hosted by the Dubai International Film Festival Chairman Abdulhamid Juma called for closer cooperation within the region to drive film and television production.

The workshop presented an overview of the current film and television production landscape in the Gulf countries and explored ways to advance the production of films and programmes in the region.

The panelists from around the GCC included: Mohamed Abdallah Al Marzouk and Ahmad Almansouri (UAE); Rashed Hassan Al Judar (Bahrain); Hassan Mohamad Al Hamdan (KSA); Dr. Khaled Adelraheem Al Zadjali (Oman); Dr. Rabiaa Al Kawari (Qatar); Abdel Muhsen Al Banay (Kuwait) and Dr. Abdallah Ben Saiid Abu Ras (Gulf Radio & TV, KSA).

The participants said that DIFF plays a key role in identifying and nurturing regional talent that will help elevate the quality of film and television production in the GCC region. They observed that film schools must shift their emphasis from theoretical learning to a more hands-on and practical-oriented approach to give young talent the right exposure that will help them gain a stronger understanding and insight of the film and television industry.

Abdulhamid Juma said that the Gulf Film Festival, which focuses on films from the GCC region and the Arab world, emphasizes on student talent, DIFF gives them an added platform, giving them global exposure.

The participants also urged for stronger creative standards in film and television programming, and underscored the need for both the television and film sectors to share synergies and leverage mutual strengths.

DIFF 2010 is held in association with Dubai Studio City. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah, the home of the Dubai International Film Festival, are the principal sponsors of DIFF. The event is supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

For more and updated information about DIFF, please visit www.dubaifilmfest.com

A New Production Entitled Wooch To Premiere In June

Dubai has long been the region’s most popular melting pot, inviting international talents to artistically showcase their trade, language, culture and performances. Thus it comes as no surprise that a group of professionals, who have previously put on tantalizing performances in the UK, USA and the UAE, are planning to paint Dubai red with their new production titled ‘Wooch’.

‘Wooch’ is the term used to describe a woman’s self esteem and it is a term to describe someone who is either male or female who is admired and is quite simply ‘gorgeous’. The show promises to be a night of unexpected events where the Dubai public is invited to meet the Wooch gang and follow them through their bittersweet rendition of life, love, raunchy jazz and being true to yourself. ‘Wooch’ will transport viewers to a unique take on life where tales of woe and misfortune are mixed with splashes of color and frolic. Sometimes surreal, but always mesmerizing, the ‘Woochies’ promise to deliver a superb and polished performance, which will tease the senses, with songs, music and dance.

The Wooch crew is looking for performers who have talent and experience, but above all passion. Auditions for the first ‘Wooch’ show will be begin on Saturday, April 30th at Kadomz Dance Studio at Marina Mall from 12PM to 4PM. Those who would like to audition can do so by emailing info@thewoochclub.com, and confirming their attendance. A total of 16 performers will be chosen from the auditions.
 

Nuqul Groups FINE Plants Trees In Production Facility Under Emirates Environmental Groups One Million Tree Campaign

FINE, the market leader in the Middle East’s hygienic paper industry and part of the Nuqul Group, recently planted several trees at its factory in Dubai in support of Emirates Environmental Group’s (EEG) ‘Million Tree’ campaign launched in 2007 under the aegis of United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) ‘The Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign’. The activity is part of a series of initiatives under FINE’s comprehensive corporate social responsibility program (CSR) and reflects the company’s commitment to improving living conditions within the communities it operates in.

Environmental awareness is an integral part of FINE’s corporate values. The company uses only virgin pulp acquired from well-managed forests that implement effective re-forestation programs. It also packs tissues in cardboard boxes made from recycled material. FINE’s tree planting was held to support the environmental vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed launched the One Million Tree Campaign in Dubai in 2010 and planted the first tree under the program at the main square of the Dubai Police Academy.

“The welfare of the environment ranks among FINE’s key priorities, and so we are actively involved in programs such as EEG’s ‘One Million Tree Campaign’ that ensure sustainable growth. We believe that now is the right time to act; planting even a single indigenous tree would go a long way towards sparing the atmosphere from harmful gases and countering the effects of modern living. We share in H.H. Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of a healthy, safe and secure environment for Dubai and the rest of the Emirates and will continue to support initiatives that support this end,” said Peter Janho, Chief Area Officer – API Region, FINE Hygienic Paper, FZE.

Since the launch of the campaign four years ago, Emirates Environmental Group has planted more than two million trees all over the UAE. Individuals, corporate organizations and educational institutes have been supporting the EEG initiative as a platform to advance the UN Environment Programme’s global ‘The Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign.’

The collaboration with EEG extends FINE’s long history of support for vital social causes. The company has assisted organizations such as Al Noor Hospital and Rashid Paediatric Centre and just recently signed a strategic partnership with the UAE Red Crescent Society, which is a regular recipient of donations from FINE.

Dubai-based FINE Hygienic Paper FZE is a major manufacturer of facial tissues, toilet paper, baby diapers, wet wipes, refreshing towels, adult briefs, jumbo rolls, kitchen towels and sanitary pads. It has a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit at the Jebel Ali Free employing around 300 highly skilled staff. FINE’s Middle Eastern presence includes operations in Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the UAE. It was the first company in its industry in the region to obtain simultaneous ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification. It was also the first company in the UAE to receive Emirates Quality Mark certification from the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology.
 

DIFF Hosts Workshop On Film TV Production In The GCC

The seventh Dubai International Film Festival and Gulf Radio & TV Organisation hosted a workshop dedicated to the development of film and television production in the GCC.

The workshop, hosted by DIFF Chairman Abdulhamid Juma, presented an overview of the current film and television production landscape in the Gulf countries and explored ways to advance the production of films and programmes in the region.

The panelists from around the GCC included: Mohamed Abdallah Al Marzouk and Ahmad Almansouri (UAE); Rashed Hassan Al Judar (Bahrain); Hassan Mohamad Al Hamdan (KSA); Dr. Khaled Adelraheem Al Zadjali (Oman); Dr. Rabiaa Al Kawari (Qatar); Abdel Muhsen Al Banay (Kuwait) and Dr. Abdallah Ben Saiid Abu Ras (Gulf Radio & TV, KSA).

Other topics of discussion included the influence of emerging cinematographic technology on television content, ‘Competition and quality: finding the balance,’ how production quality is affected by a large number of decision makers and marketing audiovisual content and its influence on home audiences.

DIFF 2010 is held in association with Dubai Studio City. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah, the home of the Dubai International Film Festival, are the principal sponsors of DIFF. The event is supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

DIFF 2010 box office locations are: CineStar Mall of the Emirates, the Madinat Souk, The Walk at JBR, and at the CNN Building in Dubai Media City. Tickets can also be purchased through DIFF’s Dial-a-Ticket service at (04) 391 3378 and from the website, www.dubaifilmfest.com.

For more and updated information about DIFF, please visit www.dubaifilmfest.com

Mani Co. To Begin AED 30M Expansion Of Food Production Facility In Dubai Investment Park

Having recently reported UAE sales growth of more than 75% during the first half of 2010, Mani & Co.—one of the Middle East’s fastest growing producers of naturally nutritious fruit and nut snacks—has announced plans to invest AED 30M in expansions to its UAE processing and packaging factory located within Dubai Investment Park (DIP). The expansion project is set to begin this month and is expected to be completed in October 2010, doubling the company’s UAE production capacity up to 6000 MT per annum.

Although the UAE is said to remain Mani & Co.’s biggest commercial market, the capacity expansion signals a change in business targets with nearly 65% of output now reserved exclusively for GCC export, 25% going to the UAE and another 10% being supplied to European markets. Currently, about half of the facility’s current production is for the UAE market while the other half is supplied to foreign markets.

“Low export duties, a burgeoning UAE transportation sector and inexpensive raw materials create an ideal scenario for corporate growth,” comments Abouzar Rahmani, CEO and President of Mani & Co. “We want to use the fourth quarter of this year as a time to invest in export operations and we believe that diversifying our geographic portfolio at this stage will bring significant results in 2011.”

Mani & Co. has a heritage of agricultural and food manufacturing experience sustained by four generations over 120 years. The company’s Dubai office was first opened in December 2004 with production operations commencing in 2009 as the company opened up its first factory in the UAE.
 

Young Dubai Talents To Star In Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC’s Production Of Hairspray During Dubai Summer Surprises

Young talents from across Dubai are set to star in Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC’s production of the acclaimed London West End musical Hairspray when it begins on July 13. The show will go on till July 17 at the Centrepoint Theatre, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates. Show timings are 7:30pm with additional shows on July 16th and 17th at 2:30pm.

Olivier award winning actress Leanne Jones, who was part of the show’s Original London Cast and took on the critically acclaimed role of Tracy Turnblad, worked for weeks to help local Dubai students learn, prepare, rehearse and perform in the local production.

She was joined by fellow Hairspray Original London Cast member Terel Nugent who will reprise his role of Seaweed J Stubbs, Stephen Mcglynn (Burt in Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia!) who will play Wilbur Turnblad and Antony Stuart-Hicks (Wizard of Oz) who will play Edna Turnblad.

Auditions for the show took place in May with the successful performers taking part in two weeks of intensive theatre workshops and rehearsals with some of the UK’s top creative talent.

Packed with great songs, amazing dance routines and bags of humour, Hairspray is a fun, feel good night out for all the family. Tickets are now available at the DUCTAC box office (04 341 4777) or through www.timeouttickets.com or www.boxofficeme.com

Performances run from Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 July at the Centrepoint Theatre, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates. See www.hairspraydubai.com or www.ductac.org for further details
 

Olivier Award Winning Actress Leanne Jones To Work With Young Dubai Talent In Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC’s Production Of Hairspray

Olivier award winning actress LEANNE JONES has joined Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC’s forthcoming production of Hairspray and will reprise her critically acclaimed role of Tracy Turnblad in the Tony and Olivier Award winning show.

Leanne, who won the prestigious Olivier Award in 2008 for Best Actress in a Musical for Hairspray, also received the Critics’ Circle Award for Best Newcomer and Theatregoers’ Choice Award for Best Actress in a Musical as a member of the show’s Original London Cast at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End.

As part of the Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC team, she will work each day to help local Dubai students learn, prepare, rehearse and perform in Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC’s first production.

She is joined by fellow Hairspray Original London Cast member TEREL NUGENT who will reprise his role of Seaweed J Stubbs, STEPHEN McGLYNN (Burt in Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia!) who will play Wilbur Turnblad and ANTONY STUART-HICKS (Wizard of Oz) who will play Edna Turnblad.

Hairspray is the first production from SPOTLIGHT ACADEMY @ DUCTAC, which gives the very best local talent the chance to work, rehearse and perform alongside some of the UK’s leading theatrical stars. Auditions took place in May with the successful performers taking part in two weeks of intensive theatre workshops and rehearsals with some of the UK’s top creative talent, culminating in SEVEN performances of Hairspray in DUCTAC’s magnificent Centrepoint Theatre.

The show is produced on behalf of DUCTAC by JC Theatre Productions and The Shakespeare 4 Kidz Theatre Company. Producer and Director Julian Chenery, who has brought his acclaimed Shakespeare 4 Kidz shows to Dubai for the past 4 years, is delighted that Leanne has found time to squeeze the Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC into her busy schedule.

“Leanne was a sensation when she burst onto the West End stage as Tracy Turnblad. She is one of the most talented musical theatre stars in the world and tremendous fun. I know that everyone who is lucky enough to be part of this exciting production will love her and learn so much from working with her.”

Leanne arrives in Dubai directly from the London production of Jonathan Larsson’s Tick, Tick, Boom! and prior to a UK tour of Dave Simpson’s play The Naked Truth.

Packed with great songs, amazing dance routines and bags of humour, Hairspray is a fun, feel good night out for all the family. So don’t miss your chance to see Leanne performing live on stage in Dubai alongside the stars of the future – book your tickets now at the DUCTAC box office (04 341 4777) or through www.timeouttickets.com or www.boxofficeme.com

Performances run from Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 July at the Centrepoint Theatre, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates.

See www.hairspraydubai.com or www.ductac.org for further details
 

arabianEye Launches New Website For Production Stills Facilitation

arabianEye, the number one, award-winning image resource in the Middle East, has launched arabianEyeproduction.com, a website totally dedicated to stills production and photographer representation.arabianEyeproduction.com, designed to put a world of high quality shoots at users’ fingertips, is highly user-friendly with a ‘shortlist’ feature that lets clients browse and choose from photographers, locations, session stylists and casting – around the Gulf or across the globe.“arabianEye has been producing standout shoots for years – and we’ll continue to inject that same professionalism, originality and reliability into the shoots,” said Celia Peterson, Director, arabianEye. “Today’s digital media offers powerful and seemingly endless ways to create, communicate and connect. This amazing new site makes it easier than ever for our clients to get exactly what they want.”“Combined with our exhaustive image library, the new website makes arabianEye.com a one-stop-shop for all client’s visual requirements – from stunning pre-shot images to those tailor-shot to the specific brief. Our site is an example of what great service, excellent value and some of the world’s best photographers can do.”As the Middle East’s leading image library and stills production agency, arabianEye has a database of over 30,000 unique images and 30 photographers based across the Middle East, providing an invaluable service to a global editorial and commercial client base. arabianEye’s clients include leading advertising agencies in the Middle East and organisations like Nakheel, Emaar, Emirates Airline, Mobily, Dove, Der Spiegel, Financial Times, Forbes, The National, Time and National Geographic.“arabianEye represents a dazzling array of photographic stars and world-class production facilities in the UAE and abroad – a network that’s growing all the time,” said Peterson. “With the new venture, we present a more versatile and enriched resource for our valued clients.”About arabianEye:
Formed in 2006 by Celia Peterson, arabianEye has grown from its initial incarnation as a Middle Eastern image library to become a ‘one stop shop’ visual service which includes both stock images and tailored photo shoots.For more information, contact:
Celia Peterson
Director
Mobile: 050 425 9174
Tel: 04 375 4227
Email: celia@arabianEye.com
Web: http://www.arabianEye.com