Front Row Snaps Up World Rights For Saudi-Emirati Family Comedy ‘Al Eid Eiden’ →

MENA distributor Front Row Filmed Entertainment has acquired global distribution rights for Image Nation Abu Dhabi’s Saudi-Emirati family comedy Al Eid Eiden.

The film features Saudi star Fahad Al-Butairi (Telfaz11’ Al-Khallat+, The Office, From A to B) alongside Emirati actress Meera Al Midfa (The Monster) and Egyptian actor Shadi Alfons (Malek Al Halba, Ramy).

It follows a Saudi-Emirati family as they make the final preparations for a Eid getaway in Abu Dhabi. An unexpected turn of events on their day of travel changes things drastically for the parents, but not wanting to disappoint their three young children, they decide to go ahead as planned.

What ensues is a roller-coaster ride of comedic mishaps and misunderstandings as they hurtle through uncharted parenting territory, a theme park, and Eid gatherings with relatives. Through the chaos, they discover unity as a family.

Al Eid Eiden is set for a wide theatrical release across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Gulf on July 4, via Front Row Filmed Entertainment and Front Row Arabia, a joint venture between Front Row and leading homegrown Saudi Exhibitor Muvi Cinemas. Front Row will also be handling all post-theatrical rights.

The production brings together an all-female Emirati creative team featuring first feature director Maitha Al Awadhi (Nour), producer Rawia Abdallah (Contact Line) and writer Sara Al Sayegh.

Ben Ross, Acting CEO of Image Nation Abu Dhabi said: “Image Nation aims to nurture new talent and tell authentic Arab stories. To have this project led by three female Emirati creatives and depict a heartfelt story that will resonate with our region and beyond, Al Eid Eiden is a testimony to our ongoing efforts to develop our industry. Front Row is a fantastic partner for this project, and we look forward to the success of Al Eid Eiden’s release.”

Gianluca Chakra, CEO and Founder of Front Row Filmed Entertainment said: “We are delighted to be working with our partners at Image Nation on Al Eid Eiden. This will be the first of many collaborations and we can’t wait for audiences to watch the film in cinemas.”

Al Eid Eiden was shot across Abu Dhabi including on Yas Island Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s leisure and entertainment hub which is home to attractions such as Warner Bros. WorldTM Yas Island, The WBTM Abu Dhabi, the world’s first Warner Bros. themed hotel, and Yas Mall.

CineMAS 2022 to feature short films from the UAE alongside independent international gems →

UAE Stories

A series of seven UAE-made short films will be the first screenings at the festival, in a free opening event on June 5. The titles explore concepts of home, family, the environment, community and belonging.

“The programme focuses on films made in the UAE by filmmakers of different nationalities and not just Emiratis,” says Hind Mezaina, who is curating the event for the second consecutive year.

Screengrab of the Closing Scene from The Monster

Abdulrahman AlMadani's 'The Monster' tells the story of a wife under pressure to return to her abusive husband. Photos: CineMAS - The Alternative Film Festival

“It’s important to see a diverse selection of films and the different types of stories coming out of here, and to also have a dedicated discussion about the filmmakers' inspirations and the current state of filmmaking in the country. More short films are being made here compared to feature films, but they aren’t seen by enough people locally, so I also hope we can discuss this and think of ways of showing short films more often.”

The titles that will be screened are Sarra’a Al Shehhi’s A Small Dream, Rasha Amer’s Osha, Mariam Alawadhi's Mum, Sarah Alhasimi's Why is my Grandfather’s Bed in the Living Room? Priscilla Elias’s Marasim, Faisal Hashmi’s Amber, and Abdulrahman AlMadani's The Monster.

“The Monster” film opens dialogues about domestic violence →

"الوحش" يفتح ملفات العنف الأسري

المصدر: دبي ـ غسان خروب

التاريخ: 18 يونيو 2021

على العنف الأسري، يفتح المخرج الإماراتي عبد الرحمن المدني عينه، ليقلب عبر مشاهد فيلمه الجديد "الوحش" بين أوراق ملفات اجتماعية "دسمة"، طارقاً أبواب قضية مهمة. 

وها هو المدني يمضي في فيلمه الجديد، كاشفاً عن انتهاءه من مونتاج الفيلم القصير الذي تتمدد مشاهده على نحو 27 دقيقة، وفق ما أفاد به لـ "البيان"، ليأتي هذا العمل ضمن اهتمامات المدني بالقضايا الاجتماعية، والتي طرق أبوابها عبر سلسلة من الأعمال القصيرة، بدأها في 2012 بفيلم "ظاهرة القمبوعة" الذي حاز عنه عدة جوائز في مهرجاني الخليج وأبو ظبي السينمائيين، وواصلها بـ "ذنب" و"نقافة" في 2013 و2014 على التوالي، وكذلك "بشكارة" الذي عرضه في 2015 ضمن فعاليات مهرجان دبي السينمائي الدولي. 

"أخيراً انتهيت من العمل على فيلمي القصير "الوحش" والذي استغرق مني سنة من كتابة النص والتصوير والمونتاج"، تعليق نطق به عبد الرحمن المدني عبر حسابه على "انستغرام"، متمنياً بأن ينال فيلمه إعجاب الجميع، واعداً إياهم بعرضه قريباً. في تصريحاته لـ "البيان" أفاد المدني أن الفيلم يتمدد على 27 دقيقة، قائلاً: "الفيلم يسلط الضوء على العنف الأسري، الذي نقدمه من منظور "حصة" الأم الشابة التي تلجأ لوالدتها، إثر تعرضها للعنف على يد زوجها".

“The Monster” opens files on domestic violence

Source: Dubai - Ghassan Kharoub

the date: June 18, 2021

On domestic violence, Emirati director Abdul Rahman Al Madani opens his eyes, flipping through the scenes of his new film “The Beast” among the pages of “dense” social files, knocking on the doors of an important issue. 

And now Al-Madani is moving on with his new film, revealing that he has finished editing the short film, whose scenes extend for about 27 minutes, according to what he told Al-Bayan. This work comes within Al-Madani’s interests in social issues, which he has knocked on through a series of short works, He began it in 2012 with the film “The Phenomenon of the Qamboua,” for which he won several awards at the Gulf and Abu Dhabi Film Festivals, and continued it with “Dhaba” and “Nakfa” in 2013 and 2014, respectively, as well as “Bashkara,” which was screened in 2015 at the Dubai International Film Festival. 

“I finally finished working on my short film, “The Beast,” which took me a year to write the script, film, and edit,” a comment made by Abdul Rahman Al-Madani on his Instagram account, hoping that his film would be admired by everyone, promising them to show it soon. In his statements to Al-Bayan, Al-Madani stated that the film extends over 27 minutes, saying: “The film sheds light on domestic violence, which we present from the perspective of the ‘share’ of the young mother who seeks refuge with her mother, after being exposed to violence at the hands of her husband.”

Al-Madani said that the filming of “The Beast” took place in the embrace of Dubai, and took 4 days. He added: “I finally finished the editing stage, and began submitting the film to a number of film festivals, with the expectation that it will be officially launched and shown by the end of this year,” explaining that The film's list is full of the names of a number of Emirati stars, including the distinguished artist Hoda Al-Ghanem and the artist Mira Al-Midfa, in addition to the artist Abdullah Al-Humairi. 

It is noteworthy that in 2014, Al Madani obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Media Studies from the Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai, and a one-year filmmaking diploma from the New York Film Academy in Abu Dhabi (2015), while his films highlight the extent of his interest in social issues in particular, as he obtained a film production scholarship. The short from the Sharjah Film Platform in 2018.

Representing Sharjah International Film Festival

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Expo 2020 Dubai: UAE Pavilion launches ‘Land of Dreamers Who Do’ documentary film series

Season One sheds light on 12 inspiring stories of visionaries from all over the world

The Production team consisted of Producer Ryan Domigpe, Directors Abdulla Al Kaabi and Dei Elayoubi, Production Manager Meera Al Midfa, and Assistant Producer Wafaa Aboukadir, as well as Director of Photography Karim Ghorayeb.

The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai launched Season One of the Land of Dreamers Who Do documentary film series, which sheds light on the ideas, ambitions and achievements of dreamers from all over the world in various fields. It also introduces their upbringing, their academic backgrounds, the influential role of their presence in the UAE and the support provided to them, which contributed to transforming their dreams and ambitions into achievements.

As pioneers of creativity and innovation in the UAE, these dreamers embody the true meaning of the legacy of the Founding Father of the UAE late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The UAE Pavilion shares their stories to inspire the next generation of Dreamers Who Do.

During launch of Season One, Noura bint Mohammad Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion, expressed her pride in the achievements of the UAE’s ambitious dreamers. “Our Dreamers are the main heroes in our story; they are a reflection of our culture and values, carrying forward the legacy of our Founding Father late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. These dreamers inspire younger generations and contribute to the advancement of the UAE’S society,” she said.

Creating pioneering solutions

In the Land of Dreamers Who Do, each episode ranges between 30 and 60 seconds. Season One tells the story of 12 inspiring professionals in the fields of research, science, engineering, education, nursing, agricultural innovation, environment, climate change, food and water security, and sustainability. Its heroes are visionaries from all over the world, who succeeded in creating pioneering solutions to deal with the world’s different variables and challenges, in line with the UAE’s ambitious future vision.

"Legacy of Our Ancestors" event marks UAE National Day in style →

Thousands of people witnessed the official 48th National Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi at Zayed Sports City Stadium on Monday evening with a series of scintillating visual shows highlighting the legacy of ancestors, their life, sacrifices and achievements.

Titled ‘Legacy of our Ancestors’ the show was held under the auspices of His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Also in attendance were;
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah
His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman
His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain
His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah

Meera Almidfa was cast as one of 5 principal cast, her role was “Noura”, Girl Of The Sea.

LIVESTREAM YOUTUBE LINK

OFFICIAL BETTY PRODUCTIONS EVENT PAGE

News:

GulfToday

Other articles announcing the show and preparations for the big production date:

Gulf News

Khaleej Times

Ticket link on Abu Dhabi Calendar

UCLA short, First Cloud, enters Tunisian Film Festival →

Two years after initial production, The First Cloud is selected at Festival du Court au Kef مهرجان القصير بالكاف, in the women’s word category. Directed by Ibrahim Kadiri.

Trailer released for first Emirati Animated Feature →

Meera AlMidfa and Mohammad Ahmad Fikree have worked together prepping this animated feature since 2015. Meera took part in doing the voice-over for the lead character Oyoma, as well as her mother M’yar.

They did some re-writing and re-recording in the recent years in preparation for a fully re-animated version that Mohammad is working on. Mohammad animates, edits, and composes the music.

Meera also took part in story editing as well as singing the soundtrack for the film.
The film is called “The Heart of Them”

WATCH HERE

Filmed in Dubai, "ASTRAY" screens at 10 Film Festivals Worldwide →

Cinetopia Film Festival, Detroit, United States 
June 10, 2016 
World Premiere

Beirut International Film Festival, Beirut, Lebanon 
October 16, 2016

Arabian Sights, Washington DC, United States 
October 29, 2016

Let's All Be Free Film Festival, London, United Kingdom 
October 13, 2016 
Europe Premiere

Conway Film Festival, Arkansas, United States 
October 1, 2016

Purbeck Film Festival, Purbek, United Kingdom 
October 21, 2016

Filmstock Film Festival, Arizona, United States 
December 4, 2016

Spokane Film Festival, Washington, United States 
February 4, 2017

Sudan Film Festival, Khartum, Sudan 
January 21, 2017

Garden State Film Festival, New York, United States 
April 1, 2017

In the Callback's for Disney's Aladdin for the role of Jasmine →

Meera took part in auditioning for Jasmine, as it was announced that the Guy Richie directed film is searching for an authentic Middle Eastern Actress that can sing and look the part.

Emirati Meera Al Midfa shortlisted for Home Grown theatre programme →

When the Emirati film student Meera Al Midfa was asked to audition for a spot in the Home Grown theatre initiative set up by the Middle East Theatre Academy and Kevin Spacey Foundation, she was asked what she’d bring to the table if selected. The answer was that she plans to lead by example.

“Not many Emiratis, especially Emirati women, pursue theatre or acting,” says the 24-year-old, who recently graduated with a bachelors in arts degree from the American University of Sharjah.

“I would like my participation to encourage others who want to pursue it but haven’t because it is regarded as something you don’t typically do, either because of familial or societal restrictions.”

Midfa also wants to help build local theatre in the UAE. “Theatre is close to my heart and I hope to use the experience of being trained by professionals and Kevin Spacey to further the scene here.”

Midfa began acting on stage in 2008, taking on roles in university plays and appearing in a production of Sweeney Todd at Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre.

“When I was younger, I’d put on these shows for my family, acting like a movie star,” she explains.

She hopes the Home Grown workshop will open up many possibilities and strengthen her skills, not just in acting, but production and stage management.

“The arts industry in the UAE still needs to grow just enough to be able to provide thespians with the opportunity to pursue it as a profession,” she says. “The Home Grown programme is definitely a step forward for theatre in the UAE.”

ADJD Commercial Gathers 15M Views On Youtube, Screens Nationwide →

Working on the project as Assistant Producer, Meera also starred in one of the 5 PSA Commercials that screened nationwide for several years, gathering more than 15M views on Abu Dhabi Judicial Department’s official account on Youtube alone. It screened on TV channels as well as in Cinemas.

Kalelis screens at Sharjah International Children's Film Festival and more

Produced by ImageNation Abu Dhabi, Kalelis was a big part of the Sharjah Children’s Film Festival, organized by the office of Shk Sultan Al Qasimi.

Film festivals Kalelis has participated in locally and internationally:
Abu Dhabi International Film Festival - Abu Dhabi, UAE - 2014.
Ras AlKhaimah Fine Arts Festival - Ras AlKhaimah, UAE - 2015.
Zayed University Middle East Film Festival - Abu Dhabi, UAE - 2015.
Sharjah International Children's Film Festival - Sharjah, UAE - 2015
Voices Film Festival. Bahrain - Bahrain - 2015
Morocco Film Festival - Morocco - 2015
Long Island International Expo - New York, USA - 2015.
Malmo Arab Film Festival - Sweden - 2015.

The film has also been available on Etisalat's elife TV Receiver, on the movie list for 3 months in 2017.

Invited to be a judge at the Sweet + Short Festival, 2015 →

Meera was a judge in March of 2015 at the Sweet + Short Festival. It took place in Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Center. It was created by Alex Broun.

MIDDLE EAST THEATRE ACADEMY PLAY IS SPONSORED BY HH SHEIKHA JAWAHER ALQASSIMI →

Meera is selected amongst 34 others around the Middle East to be part of the Middle East Theatre Academy’s first in-home show, sponsored by HH Sheikha Jawaher Al Qassimi and her husband, the ruler of Sharjah, SHK Sultan Al Qassimi.

Article interviewing Meera on The National newspaper HERE.

Assistant Director TARA JAFFAR says this of the selection process: “Over 300 young people applied to Home Grown, we shortlisted some 60, who we met in person or over Skype, and from that we whittled the company down to the pre-set number of 35 members. As we’ve been saying, in response to all shortlisted talent, you can be proud that you made the shortlist, as that is by no means an easy feat.” (Tara Jaffar, 2013)

"Don't Leave Me" wins Best Short Film at Dubai Intl Film Festival →

Meera plays Aisha in the film. It was Directed by Khaled Al Mahmoud and Produced by Abdalla Hassan Ahmad. It was Executive produced by Faradees Productions and Image Nation Abu Dhabi.

Forbidden Fruit, the first Emirati controversial short-film, enters official competition at Dubai Intl Film Festival

For a student short to enter official competition is rare, but not for The Forbidden Fruit. Tackling controversial subject matter, it was quick for this short directed by Sarah Al Agroobi, to make some noise at the prestigious international film festival in Dubai.

Interview with Dubai TV alongside Nayla AlKhaja

In an interview set up by The American University of Sharjah, Meera AlMidfa and Nayla AlKhaja speak to DUBAI TV about what it’s like for an Emirati woman to be an Actress and a Director. They discuss the respective roles they have taken in the projects they have indulged in throughout the years.