EFC Program: Short Documentary Competition
17.10.2012 - The Emirates Film Competition this
year brings to the Festival some riveting documentaries from
talented up-and-coming filmmakers from the region. It's just a
taste of the generous and diverse programme the EFC offers. The
Short Documentary Competition includes One Man's Tricycle (Fahmi Farahat, Abdulaziz Al
Nujaym), Paradise Falls (Nizar Sfair), Riding the Rainbow (Abas Abares), Y.E.S. To School (Thabit Al Mawaly) and
Foresight (Ahmed Zain, Naser Al Yagrobi).
Paradise Falls employs a unique way
of filming, with quick cuts and a brilliant screenplay. Scripted
documentaries, or 'mockumentaries' as the director stressed, are
satirical stories of already existing concepts or situations. This
one tells a cleverly spun story of an author who writes a
best-selling book and then disappears.
One Man's Tricycle is an account of a unique vehicle on
the streets of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, delivering a strong message of
living resourcefully. Riding the Rainbow provides great
insight into the lives of the students of Manzil Academy, a
special-needs organisation that encourages its students to create
paintings which are then exhibited at galleries across the UAE. At
the Q&A following the screening, director Abares stated that
filming the students was a major challenge since they are a shy
bunch.
Y.E.S. to School director Al Mawaly
called this experience a 'win-win situation' as he had the
opportunity to meet a young and motivated team of volunteers.
Foresight tells the story of a blind fisherman who doesn't
let his disability deter his passion towards his vocation.
Co-directors Zain and Al Yagrobi affirmed that theirs is a
universal message.
These documentaries not only reflect the passion and talent of
these filmmakers but also mirror the culture prevalent in the
region. Keep an eye on upcoming Emirates Film Competition
programmes to take the pulse of the local film community.
Upcoming Emirates Film Competition screenings at VOX
Cinemas:
Student Short Narrative - Tuesday 16 October, 3:15 pm
Student Short Documentary - Wednesday 17 October, 1:30 pm
Out-of-Competition Screenings - Wednesday 17 October, 7pm