Three Classic Films at Dubai International Film Festival 2017
The Dubai International Film Festival does not have a dedicated classic section, but it is screening three classic films, two of which have been recently restored films.
Over the past few years, the classic films have been screened at outdoor, part of the family friendly screenings at The Beach. But I am glad one of the three films this year will be screened at a cinema. Let's just hope enough people turn up for it so that DIFF can look at getting more classics screened in cinemas.
King Kong
Director: Merian C. Cooper, Ernest B. Schoedsack | 1933 | 100min
Screening on Tuesday, 12th December at 7.30pm at The Beach (free screening)
The restored version will be screened in Dubai. I am sure this will be lots of fun to watch on the big screen.
Where to? / Ila Ayn?
Director: Georges Nasser | 1957 | 81min
Screening on Sunday, 10th December at 7.30pm at The Beach (free screening)
Described as a "directorial masterpiece", this film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival for the first time in 1957 and the restored version was screened at Cannes this year marking its 60th anniversary.
The Message / Al Risalah
Director: Moustapha Akkad | 1977 | 177min
Screening on Wednesday, 13th December at 8pm at VOX Cinemas (Mall of the Emirates)
This was an incredibly difficult film to see when it came out and I recall watching a pirated VHS version when I was a kid. A controversial film which I don't think ever got screened in cinemas in this region, I am quite thrilled to know it is coming to DIFF. If you are not familiar with this film, read 40 Years On, A Controversial Film On Islam's Origins Is Now A Classic.
