Peace talks and Cairo Exit

DIFF 2010 ‘Cultural Bridge Day' on Dec. 16 promotes intercultural dialogue through cinema

The ‘Cultural Bridge Day' opened with the screening of Egyptian director Hesham Issawi's Cairo Exit, a powerful account of life in contemporary Cairo about two star-crossed lovers. The film shines the spotlight on the social and cultural taboos that riddle the city's diverse population.

Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Artistic Director, Dubai International Film Festival, said: "The Cultural Bridge Day is a significant component of the festival, highlighting our commitment to promote universal harmony through intercultural dialogue. With over 200 nationalities, Dubai is uniquely positioned to foster dialogue, and Cultural Bridge Day is a perfect fit to the ethos of the city and the festival. The new additions of the Peace Wall and Phone Booth will further drive the participation of the public, making DIFF a true community event."

The new venue of DIFF, The Walk at JBR is hosting a series of colourful events to mark the ‘Cultural Bridge Day.' Global Village is presenting some of this season's most exciting international street entertainment including South African drummers and dancers, South African music workshop with the participation of the audience, Egyptian Tanoura dancers, Kenyan acrobats, and performances by a Thai dance group and the Lebanese Dabka Dance Company. The festivities start at 2 pm and will conclude with the open air screening of ‘My Wife's Husband' a film by Niazi Mostafa and the concert of Lebanese classical Arabic singer Rima Khcheiche.

At the venue, visitors could also take part in the popular digital photo-booths set up by Fishfayce, where people can express their perceptions on cultural understanding through a written or signed pose, which will be available to download or share online through social media.

A new addition this year is the Peace Wall hosted by DIFF in partnership with The JamJar Gallery. The public could participate in the ‘Cultural Bridge Day' by sending messages of peace that will be depicted on the ‘Peace Wall.'

DIFF PRESS RELEASE