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Films Lite Blogs

A Weekend Movie Marathon

Are your weekends lacking inspiration? Elevate your downtime with a curated list of 5 films that take you through life with a new and transformative lens. These compelling narratives from acclaimed European filmmakers challenge conventions and open the doors to fresh perspectives.

Turn your weekend into an exploration of ideas, emotions, and newfound inspiration at the ongoing 28th Edition of the European Union Film Festival in New Delhi across three venues – The Indian Habitat Center, The Instituto Cervantes (Spanish Cultural Center), and The Goethe-Institut /Max Mueller Bhavan.

Saint Omer

Winner of the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival 2022, Saint Omer is a heartfelt drama that revolves around the trial of Laurence Coly, a young woman accused of killing her 15-month-old daughter by abandoning her to the rising tide on a beach in northern France. The story is narrated through the young, pregnant novelist Rama, who attends the trial, as she feels a personal connection with the case because of her complex relationship with her mother. As the trial continues, the words of the accused and witness testimonies make Rama anxious, shake her convictions, and call into question her judgment.

The movie is a personal journey, taking one through multiple perspectives and leaving people with thoughts on heartbreak, childhood traumas, communication, and the way life relates to one another.

Genre: Drama

Director: Alice Diop

Wolf and Dog

This thought-provoking movie revolves around the lives of the LGBTQI/Queer community and their unacceptance by society and family. Originally titled LOBO E CÃO, the film is about two best friends, Ana and Luis, who settled on an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, ruled by religion and traditions. The two best friends are expected to fit into the lives that have been laid out for them. As Luis defies his father’s expectations, Ana starts having doubts about the environment in which she is being raised. With the arrival of a friend from Canada, Ana embarks on a journey of self-discovery filled with new desires that will reveal the right sea for her to sail.

The movie reflects the importance of being self-aware and making life choices, and how they can shape one’s destiny. The film has won the Venice Film Festival 2022: Winner GdA Director’s Award and has bagged many other accolades.

Genre: Drama

Director: Cláudia Varejão

Mikado

This human drama explores the sensitivity of any relationship and how broken trust can have irreversible consequences. The movie revolves around a teenager, Magda, who offers her expensive necklace to a sick child in the hospital she volunteers for. Her father doesn’t believe her and accuses her of lying. When she proves her innocence, he is guilty and ashamed but fails to admit he is wrong. This chaos leads to a broken relationship, leading to an irreversible outcome.

This film deals with the challenges of adult relationships and how trust forms the fulcrum of them. The movie has been awarded a “Winner Special Mention” at the Bucharest International Film Festival 2022.

Genre: Drama

Director: Emanuel Parvu

Mother

This real-life story is about a Bulgarian Director, Elena, who loses her ability to bear a child at the age of 32. Caught between the desire to have her own child run her dream theatre, she chooses later, and it changes her life completely. The life-transforming theatre programme for orphans in Africa reinvents the word mother for her.

The film talks about one’s biggest fear, trusting one’s gut, hope, and new beginnings. The emotional drama evokes a roller coaster of emotions and delves deep into what also inspires young women to fearlessly chase their dreams. The film has earned many accolades, including the Gandhi-UNESCO Medal (ASIAN PREMIERE) at the International Film Festival of India.

Genre: Drama

Director: Zornitsa Sophia

Listen

The movie sets you on a journey of self-discovery. Valmira, a 16-year-old deaf girl, is forced by financial hardship to leave her progressive Athens school and return to her father’s struggling island, where she experiences prejudice and intolerance, including her own.

This movie dives into self-consciousness and navigates through the complexities that make you reflect on the situations in life and how growing self-awareness can change the trajectory of one’s life. The film got the Winner Orpheus Award at the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) in 2023.

Genre: Drama

Director: Maria Douza

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Bollywood Food Lite Blogs

A Culinary Voyage at the Movies

The gastronomic adventure includes the flavors of the Middle East with a diverse range of dishes that capture the essence Armenia, Iran, and Morocco…reports Asian Lite News

PVR INOX announced the launch of new food menu at Director’s Cut, Vasant Kunj. The menu is curated by renowned Chef Mayank Tiwari and Chef Shiva Arora, featuring an exquisite blend of two iconic cuisines – Middle Eastern and Rajasthani.

Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern and Rajasthani culinary traditions, the new menu at PVR Director’s Cut embodies a perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and aromas. Guests will embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the authenticity of each cuisine while presenting a contemporary twist that elevates the dining experience to new heights.

Speaking at the unveiling of the new menu at Director’s Cut, Chef Mayank Tiwari, Group Executive Chef at The Luxury Collection, PVR INOX Ltd. expressed his vision, stating, “Our team of culinary artisans has meticulously crafted the new menu to offer an unforgettable dining experience that complements the unparalleled luxury and sophistication of PVR Director’s Cut. By combining the Middle Eastern and Rajasthani culinary traditions, we aim to create a symphony of flavors that will resonate with our guests long after they leave the cinema.”

Middle Eastern Delights: The gastronomic adventure includes the flavors of the Middle East with a diverse range of dishes that capture the essence Armenia, Iran, and Morocco. From Al Faham and Moroccon Chermoula Salmon to Armenian Losh Kebab Burger, every bite unveils a symphony of tastes that reflect centuries of culinary expertise.

Rajasthani Royalty: With its robust flavors, intricate spices, and time-honored recipes, Rajasthani cuisine takes center stage, presenting a royal feast fit for cinephiles and food enthusiasts to embark on a memorable experience right at their cinema seats. Savory Dal Baati Churma, Bajra Khichdi, Dal Ki Kachori, Murg ke Sooley and Junglee Murgh with Papad Parantha are just a glimpse of the Rajasthani gems awaiting your palate.

ALSO READ-Bollywood’s power siblings

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Bollywood Films Lite Blogs

‘2018’ smashes Mollywood BO records

Tovino, incidentally, volunteered his services for flood relief back in 2018. In the film, he plays a young man who leaves the Indian Army with a fake medical certificate and redeems himself during the floods…reports Asian Lite News

The Malayalam Tovino Thomas-starrer ‘2018 Everyone Is A Hero’, directed by the award-winning popular director, Jude Anthany Joseph, is having a dream run and moving toward the Rs 100-crore club, a rare feat for a Mollywood movie.

And coming as it does at a time when ‘The Kerala Story’ is attracting nationwide attention, people close to the Malayalam film industry are saying that ‘2018’ is “the real Kerala Story” and not the one that claims to be one.

The film is centred around stories of humanity triumphing over adversity in the backdrop of the 2018 floods that devastated parts of Kerala. It is the second Tovino project to attract national attention and draw an adulatory audience response after the 2021 superhero movie ‘Minnal Murali’. And it also brings back memories of his performance in ‘Virus’, the 2019 film about the Nipah outbreak in Kerala.

Tovino, incidentally, volunteered his services for flood relief back in 2018. In the film, he plays a young man who leaves the Indian Army with a fake medical certificate and redeems himself during the floods.

The ensemble cast includes top Malayalam talents, notably Asif Ali, Kunchacko Boban, Lal and the National Award-winning actress, Aparna Balamurali, who plays a TV reporter.

The movie, which was released on May 5, raked in around Rs 5.18 crore on its ninth day from Kerala alone, which is an all-time record in Mollywood history. The worldwide collection is reported to be more than Rs 80 crore in the first nine days. The film is reported to be getting a standing ovation in theatres across the state.

Produced by Venu Kunnappilly, C.K. Padma Kumar and Anto Joseph under the banner of Kavya Film Company and P.K. Prime Productions, the film is the second back-to-back blockbuster from Kavya after the 2022 action adventure drama ‘Malikappuram’ starring Unni Mukundan.

ALSO READ-‘Idea is always to do something new each time’

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Lite Blogs

Depp back to direction after 25 years

‘Jeanne du Barry’ will be Depp’s first major acting role since the 2020 independent film ‘Minamata’, in which he played war photographer W. Eugene Smith…reports Asian Lite News

Fresh off his victory in the Amber Heard defamation suit, Johnny Depp is all set to direct a movie 25 years after he made his first, a neo-Western in which he co-starred with Marlon Brando, reports Variety. Depp’s directorial debut film, ‘The Brave’ (1997), was panned by critics and it also tanked commercially.

The actor will now return behind the camera, with Al Pacino acting as producer, for ‘Modigliani’, a biographical drama about Italian artist and sculptor Amedeo Modigliani, who lived between 1884 and 1920.

It is being viewed as an attempt by Depp to restart his life after having seen Hollywood steer clear of him and being left with only European projects, notably French filmmaker Maiwenn’s upcoming film ‘Jeanne du Barry’, a historical romance drama about a royal’s concubine, in which he plays the controversial King Louis XV, notes ‘Variety’.

‘Jeanne du Barry’ will be Depp’s first major acting role since the 2020 independent film ‘Minamata’, in which he played war photographer W. Eugene Smith.

The same year, Depp was forced by Warner Bros. to exit the ‘Harry Potter’ spinoff series ‘Fantastic Beasts’ after he lost his libel case against the British tabloid ‘The Sun’, which had characterized Depp as a “wife beater”. Madds Mikkelson replaced Depp as the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald in ‘Fantastic Beast: The Secrets of Dumbledore’.

‘Modigliani’, based on American playwright Dennis ‘National Anthems’ McIntyre’s play of the same name, takes place in 1916 Paris. McIntyre, who died at the age of 47 in 1990. was famous in his lifetime for highlighting the ills of American society in his plays. The original play has been adapted for screen by Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski.

The film’s publicity release says Modigliani, “long considered by himself a critical and commercial failure, navigates a turbulent and eventful 48 hours that will become a turning point in his life, ultimately solidifying his reputation as an artistic legend.”

In another statement, also quoted by ‘Variety’, Depp said: “The saga of Mr Modigliani’s life is one that I’m incredibly honoured, and truly humbled, to bring to the screen. It was a life of great hardship, but eventual triumph — a universally human story all viewers can identify with.

ALSO READ-Johnny Depp wins defamation case against ex-wife

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Film Review Films

My Dear Bhootham : Neat, enjoyable fantasy entertainer for kids

Karkimuki is overjoyed and spends time playing with his son. One day, he takes his son to another world to play and it so happens that the son disturbs the penance of a seer who has been meditating for thousands of years…reviewed by Manigandan K R

Duration: 122 minutes (Releasing in theatres). Director: N. Ragavan. Cast: Prabhu Deva, Master Aswanth, Ramya Nambeesan, Samyuktha, Suresh Menon, Imman Annachi and Param Gukanesh. (Rating: ***)

Director N. Ragavan, who made the highly enjoyable ‘Manja Pai’, returns this time with a fantasy film for kids. Not only is the film enjoyable, it also has a couple of significant points to make.

‘My Dear Bhootham’ begins with the story of Karkimuki (Prabhu Deva), the king of spirits who rules the spirit world in a just and fair manner.

The spirits are happy and satisfied with Karkimuki’s just rule, but the king himself has an unfulfilled wish. He longs for a child. After a point, his prayers are answered and he is blessed with a son who loves him unconditionally.

Karkimuki is overjoyed and spends time playing with his son. One day, he takes his son to another world to play and it so happens that the son disturbs the penance of a seer who has been meditating for thousands of years.

The seer, angry that the effort of thousands of years had gone waste, is about to curse the boy when Karkimuki pleads on his son’s behalf for the seer’s forgiveness.

When the seer is unfilling to forgive, Karkimuki pleads that he be cursed instead of his son. The seer agrees and curses Karkimuki to turn into a statue and be buried in the earth for thousands of years.

The only way Karkimuki can return to the spirit realm and meet his son again is when the person who finds the toy on earth and sets him free, also finds the secret chant hidden in the toy and utters it within a time period of 48 days. Otherwise, he will perish for good.

It is under these circumstances that the toy is found by a young boy called Thirunavukkarasar( Master Ashwanth).

Thirunavukkarasar, the son of a single parent, has a stammering problem and is hated by schoolmates and loathed by teachers. What happens when Karkimuki enters Thirunavukkarasar’s life is what the film is all about.

The film gets off to a crisp start with Karkimuki’s story being narrated through animation. However, when the focus shifts to Thirunavukkarasar’s life, the story begins to lose steam a little.

But it soon picks up pace with the entry of Karkimuki into Thirunavukkarasar’s life. By the time the second half begins, the film has you interested. From that point on to right till the end, the film has your undivided attention.

The credit for keeping the film engaging must go to two people. One, the director for narrating a good, interesting story with a number of valuable takeaways for kids and two, to actor Prabhu Deva, who does a great job as the king of spirits.

Prabhu Deva’s antics and his dance moves perfectly fit the role and comes up with a sterling performance to steal the limelight. Young Ashwanth impresses with his brilliant depiction of a child with a stammering problem.

Imman’s background score and Senthil Kumar’s visuals are added pluses for the film.

Full marks to director Ragavan for making a clean, neat, enjoyable fantasy entertainer that parents can enjoy with their kids.

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Films News Sharjah

Khorfakkan to debut on international streaming platforms

The film documents the epic resistance of the people of Khorfakkan against colonial invasion and will stream on Amazon, Google Play, Apple Store, and Sky Store…reports Asian Lite News

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has partnered with a major international film distributor to stream ‘Khorfakkan’, a film based on the historical book, Khorfakkan’s Resistance Against the Portuguese Invasion of September 1507, authored by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on major streaming platforms worldwide. The SBA production will be screened on Microsoft, Amazon, Google Play, Apple Store, Sky Store, and Chile to international audiences outside the Middle East region.

The two-hour movie highlights the epic resistance put up by Khorfakkan’s residents during a colonial invasion over 500 years ago. The cast includes distinguished Emirati and Arab actors and an international team specialising in producing historical films. The film amassed significant viewership in local and Arab theatres since its debut in 2020 and was translated to English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Khorfakkan to debut on international streaming platforms

Through the partnership, SBA is looking towards showcasing its productions on international platforms to spotlight the emirate’s film industry that produces high-quality blockbusters, including Khorfakkan, which is the outcome of precise documentation techniques including scientific, historical research followed by the Sharjah Ruler while authoring the book, and outstanding audiovisual effects using the latest technologies.

A model for the Arab Cinema sector

HE Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of SBA, emphasised that the lavish production should be a model for Emirati and Arab cinema industries. The historical drama is based on studies of documented history by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and the detailed attention to the authenticity of the historical period when the courageous people of the coastal city successfully resisted the invasion has been a significant contributing factor to the success of the movie.

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He added: “Screening the movie on international platforms reflects the vision of the Sharjah Ruler in portraying the authentic image of Arab culture and history, and its contribution towards the creative industries. SBA aims to utilise  the latest technologies in its productions and showcase its portfolio of distinguished TV and film creations to the rest of the world, especially those that highlight the rich Emirati history and culture.”

The SBA production highlights the heroic defence of Khorfakkan’s people during the invasion in 1507 led by naval commander General Afonso de Albuquerque. The film was directed by Maurice Sweeney and British Ben Mole, and the cast includes Syrian actor Rasheed Assaf, Emirati actors Ahmed Al Jasmi, Mohammed Al Ameri, and Dr. Habib Ghloum; Syrian Qais Shaikh Najeeb; and other prominent actors.

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India News

MODHERA TEMPLE ROW: Rajputs Turn Heat on Gujarat Govt

Earlier, the Gujjars had declared erstwhile emperor Prithviraj Chauhan as the hero from their lineage and had even warned that the film’s release will be stalled if he is referred to as Rajput in the movie…reports Archana Sharma

The controversy that started surrounding the upcoming Bollywood movie ‘Prithviraj’ starring Akshay Kumar refuses to die in Rajasthan.

Taking forward the row over the lineage and caste of Prithviraj Chauhan, Rajput leaders have now targeted the Gujarat government for giving credit to Gujjar leaders for building the Modhera Sun Temple, which as per them, was built by Rajput royals.

Earlier, the Gujjars had declared erstwhile emperor Prithviraj Chauhan as the hero from their lineage and had even warned that the film’s release will be stalled if he is referred to as Rajput in the movie.

Meanwhile, the Rajputs rejected the claims and declared that Gujjars are trying to twist history.

At a press conference organised in Jaipur on Sunday, Mahavir Singh Sarwadi, the convener of Shri Pratap Foundation and the patron of Shri Kshatra Purusharth Foundation, said that a conspiracy is going on to declare national heroes like Mihirbhoj, Prithviraj Chauhan, Maharaja Anangpal etc. as Gujjars by connecting the Gurjar region with the Gujjar caste.

“The Gujarat government’s tourism department, which earlier said that the Modhera Temple was built by Solanki Rajputs two years ago, today tweets saying it was built by Gujjars and then deletes it.

“In Gujarat, the state government on its website has declared the state as the land of Gujjars and termed Kshatriya clans like Parmar, Pratihar, Solanki, Chauhan etc as Gujjars, whereas the fact is that even today the population of Gujjars in Gujarat is negligible and the Gujjar caste is not even mentioned among the notified castes. We have written a letter to the Chief Minister of Gujarat in this regard,” he added.

“Before Independence, the British tried to distort our history to prove their superiority and after Independence, the then political leadership also tried to distort our history. Myths were fabricated and they were proved and propagated with the help of power.

“The entire society has been suffering for decades. Over the years, this communal appeasement has turned into caste appeasement and our history is being targeted by the present political leadership to nurture it. Rajputs have made inconceivable sacrifices for this nation and since time immemorial, they have fought with the terrorists. History is our most valuable asset and every Rajput is susceptible to it. Those who encourage attempts to dispute the identities of our ancestors for their petty political ambitions, society considers this act as not only unfortunate, but a conspiracy against our society as a whole. We oppose every such conspiracy,” Sarwadi said.

Meanwhile, Mihir Army chief Himmat Singh Gurjar, replying to Sarwadi’s claims, said, “Whenever the society has been educated, it has seen its history getting rectified wherever it has gone wrong. This is also a reformation. Mihir Bhoj and Prithviraj Chauhan belonged to the Gujjar community. Rana Poonja was and will remain Bhil. People who came into existence after 13th century should not give history information.

The term Rajput, according to him, gained credence after the 13th century. Earlier, they were called as Kshatriyas, he said.

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Dubai Events UAE News

House of Gucci set to on the UAE National Day

Inspired by the shocking true story of the family behind the Italian fashion empire, “House Of Gucci” is set to launch in cinemas in the UAE and across the Middle East during the UAE National Day holidays on December 2, 2021…reports Asian Lite News

Directed by Ridley Scott, the highly anticipated real-life adaptation of the Gucci family also stars Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Jack Huston, with Salma Hayek and Al Pacino.

House of Gucci set to on the UAE National Day

The visually stylish film, which spans three turbulent decades in the Gucci family empire boasts a star-studded ensemble cast headed by Academy Award®winner Lady Gaga (A Star is Born) and Academy Award®nominee Adam Driver (Marriage Story), Academy Award®winners Al Pacino (The Godfather, Scent of a Woman), Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club) and Jeremy Irons (Reversal of Fortune). The story beings in the late 1970s, with the Gucci Business being overseen by Guccio Gucci’s two sons, the colorful and wily Aldo (Academy Award®winner  Al Pacino) and his more conservative and detached sibling Rodolfo (Academy Award®winner Jeremy Irons). Watch as this historic family is torn between a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately…murder.

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The movie is rated PG 15 in UAE, and advance bookings are now open in cinemas across the Middle East.

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Lite Blogs

Keerthy’s ‘Good Luck Sakhi’ to be released on Nov 26

Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, ‘Good Luck Sakhi’ is a multi-lingual film made simultaneously in Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam…reports Asian Lite News.

National Award-winning actress Keerthy Suresh, who had given her career-best performance in late actress Savitri’s biopic – ‘Mahanati’ – is set to woo the audience again with her upcoming movie titled ‘Good Luck Sakhi’.

The makers of the movie have come up with an interesting update regarding the release date. ‘Good Luck Sakhi’ will be released on November 26 across the southern states of India. The makers also released a poster featuring the lead actors. Keerthy Suresh appears as a village belle, trying to aim with a gun, while Aadi Pinisetty and Jagapathi Babu are also in the poster released Monday.

Touted as an emotional, woman-centric sports drama, Keerthy Suresh is to be seen as a shooter in the film. Actor Aadhi Pinisetty, who made his mark as an actor in movies like ‘Sarrainodu’, and ‘Rangasthalam’ is to be seen as the male lead in the movie. Senior actor Jagapathi Babu will be seen in a crucial role as Keerthy Suresh’s coach.

Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, ‘Good Luck Sakhi’ is a multi-lingual film made simultaneously in Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam.

On the other hand, Keerthy Suresh also stars in Telugu biggie ‘Sarkaru Vaari Paata’, in which she is to share the screen with Mahesh Babu.

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-Top News Films Sharjah

SIFF presents 48 films curated for young audiences

Patrons will watch 48 exciting films across seven categories that will premiere exclusively at the eighth edition, unveiling on 10th October, reports Asian Lite News

Young movie buffs in the region and beyond are in for a true cinematic treat this year at the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF).

Patrons will watch 48 exciting films across seven categories that will premiere exclusively at the eighth edition, unveiling on 10th October, 2021.

SIFF presents 48 films curated for young audiences

SIFF 2021 will be screening six films making their world premieres and four being screened for the first time for the UAE audiences. The festival will also be the launch pad for 34 films in the Middle East and four in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) circuit.

Organised by FUNN, Sharjah Media Arts for Youth and Children, in a fully online format this year, SIFF will be streaming more than 80 diverse films across six days. The films are free to watch and can be accessed by registering at: www.siff.ae.

 Two homegrown films, “Childhood Trauma” by the UAE-based Safa Azarayesh that compels us to connect the dots of childhood trauma with adulthood and is competing in the GCC Short Films category, and Sarah Al Ali’s “Don’t Give Up” that reinforces the need to persevere even when things seem difficult – headline the six films that will have their world premieres at SIFF 2021.

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The other four include “The First Line”, in Russian by Kate Bugrova; the Arabic film “Opportunity” by Saudi Arabian Fahad Alotaibi, which narrates a game of life and death; the emotionally resonant Persian film, “Sweet Taste of Darkness” by Mitra Raeesmohammadi, and Kazakh film “Shoqan” that explores the reality of truth, and directed by Kuka.

SIFF presents 48 films curated for young audiences

 “Last Round”, an animated short that has been gaining fame and popularity for its universal story of sibling love, is among the 34 films that will have their Middle East premiere.

A graduation project of Anatole Bournique, Maeva Chaulvet, Katia Hochstetter, Nicolas Jaffre, and Thais Mercier, students of the Goerges Melies School of Animation, France, the film narrates the story of a promising young boxer who is willing to do anything to finance the future of his little sister, a piano prodigy.

SIFF presents 48 films curated for young audiences

For the first time, the four films being shown in the GCC include the Russian animated film directed by Ekaterina Filippova, “The Little Boat that Wanted to Fly”. Winner of the Best Children’s Film Award at the 2020 World Festival of Animated Film (WFAF), it narrates a touching story about inclusion – a boat that does not fit in with others because it wants to fly.

The other films include “The Orphanage”, a captivating drama about an Afghan teen in trouble by Shahrbanoo Sadat; “In My Dream”, a Turkish tale of chasing dreams by Murat Ceri; and the Arabic film “Barcode” where commercialism and innocence intersect by Saudi Arabia’s Muhammad Alghamdi.

SIFF presents 48 films curated for young audiences

Award winner at Cannes Independent Film Festival among UAE premieres Kazakh director Alina Mustafina’s film “Ander” which won the special jury prize at the Cannes Independent Film Festival as well as the Best Documentary Film Award at Qatar’s Ajyal Film Festival in 2020, will be among the four films to open for the first time in the UAE.

Journalist, writer, and filmmaker Mustafina’s short documentary shares the story of her five-year-old boy Ander, who suffers from a very rare dairy allergy. He is an active and joyful kid but he has to eat separately from his classmates at school and brings his own cake to parties due to his allergic conditions.

The other films include “Comfortable Position”, a film centred on the theme of dreams and sleep and made by a group of 8 to 12-year-old children from Uzbekistan, and “Al-Sit” by Suzannah Mirghani; and Saudi Arabian director Mohammed Atabani’s Block.