Film: 'Hitchcock' (2012)

Compiled by Reem Saleh

The Dubai International Film Festival takes place from 9 to 16 December, and opened with the MENA premiere of Ang Lee’s ‘Life of Pi’. The film is based on the bestselling book by Yann Martel and tells the story of a young man’s incredible survival at sea against almost impossible odds – including sharing a lifeboat with the only other survivor of the shipwreck: Richard Parker, a ferocious Bengal tiger. Lee’s stunning visual spectacle, remarkable use of 3D and advanced CG wizardry creates an emotionally captivating experience supported by newcomer Suraj, whose performance and presence in a role that would test the finest of actors is nothing short of inspiriing.

Here is more of what we’re looking forward to:

Film: Amour (Love)
Director: Michael Haneke
Country: France, Germany, Austria
Category: Cinema of the World
Synopsis: Winner of the Cannes Palme d’Or this year, ‘Amour’ tells of octogenarians Georges and Anne, retired classical music teachers, long married and still enjoying each other’s company and life’s simple pleasures. Their daughter, also a musician, lives in London with her family. One day Anne has a mild stroke and Georges insists on looking after her but when a second stroke strikes, life as they knew it is over. In this poignant and heartrending exploration of the power of love, Haneke’s direction and marvellous performances from two legendary French actors leave one breathless and deeply moved.

Film: El Sheita Elli Fat (Winter of Discontent)
Director: Ibrahim El Batout
Country: Egypt
Category: Muhr Arab feature
Synopsis: 25 January 2011 changed Egypt forever. Between the date and the revolution that followed, independent director Ibrahim El Batout introduces us to activist Omro, journalist Farah and government security officer Adel – individuals whose pasts will be resurrected and whose stories and destinies will collide as they struggle to remove the obstacles between a man and himself, all the way to the fall of Hosni Mubarak.

Film: Bekas
Director: Karzan Kader
Country: Sweden
Category: Muhr Arab Feature
Synopsis: Dana and Zana are two little kids looking for salvation. The only path they can find comes after they secretly watch bits and pieces of the movie ‘Superman’. Both orphans, homeless in Iraqi Kurdistan under the oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein during the 90s, their only hope seems to be to reach the USA and live with their friend Superman. But how do they get there? They have no money and no passports, and the only means of transportation they have is a donkey…

Film: Round Trip
Director: Meyar Al Roumi
Country: Syria
Category: Muhr Arab Feature
Synopsis: For Walid, a taxi driver in Damascus, the only place to steal a private kiss with his love, Suhair, is in his car. When Suhair is invited by her friend to visit Tehran, she and Walid board a train from the Syrian capital to Tehran. As they follow the stunning scenery captured beautifully on film, Walid and Suhair finally have an opportunity to get to know each other outside his taxi.

Film: Wadjda
Director: Haifaa Al Mansour
Country: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Germany
Category: Muhr Arab Feature
Synopsis: Every day Wadjda passes a toy store with a beautiful green bicycle in the window. Although it is forbidden for girls to ride bicycles, Wadjda concocts a plan to earn enough money to afford the bike by secretly selling ‘illicit products’ in her schoolyard. But her plans are soon exposed, leaving her with only one last chance to make the money she needs; a Qu’ran recital competition with a big cash prize. Wadjda tries to find a sly and cunning way to rise above her fellow competitors to make her most cherished dream come true.

Film: Hithcock
Director: Sacha Gervasi
Country: USA
Category: Cinema of the World
Synopsis: ‘Hitchcock’ is a love story about Alfred Hitchcock – one of the most influential filmmakers of all time – and his wife and partner Alma Reville, stunningly played by Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren. The film takes place during the making of Hitchcock’s seminal movie ‘Psycho’, whose making forced the couple to mortgage their house, but turned out to be a massive hit and remains a classic in the history of cinema. Replete with Alfred’s sharp wit and Alma’s remarkable cinematic sensibility, the film is a touching and entertaining homage to the master of suspense.

You can find the complete selection of films here.
Synopses courtesy DIFF.