Abu Dhabi: CineMAS, the annual independent film festival, makes its return this May for its sixth edition, presenting an enticing array of award-winning films sourced from the UAE, the region, and across the globe.
Curated by Scandar Copti, an Oscar-nominated filmmaker and visual artist, the festival promises an eclectic mix of thought-provoking films spanning various genres such as drama, comedy, and documentary. Scheduled from May 20th to 26th at Manarat Al Saadiyat, the event will also host insightful discussions with renowned directors.
CineMAS 2024 serves as a tribute to the finest in independent cinema, with each film meticulously selected for its compelling narrative and artistic excellence, offering audiences a glimpse into diverse human experiences and transcending cultural boundaries.
The festival opens with ‘Dalma’, a feature film by Emirati filmmaker Humaid Al Suwaidi, chronicling the journey of Dana, an Emirati woman who inherits a dilapidated house on Dalma Island, leading to a poignant voyage of self-discovery. Among the lineup are notable works like ‘All That Breathes’ by Shaunak Sen, an Oscar-nominated environmental documentary, the sci-fi documentary ‘Lyd’ by Sarah Ema Friedland and Rami Younes, and ‘Goodbye Julia’, a Sudanese drama by emerging talent Mohamed Kordofani.
Additionally, the festival offers retrospectives of Lawrence Abu Hamdan’s film series and showcases a selection of remarkable short films, including ‘Les Chenilles’ by Michelle and Noel Keserwany, winners of the Golden Bear award.
Scandar Copti, the curator, is a celebrated filmmaker and visual artist, known for his acclaimed debut feature ‘Ajami’. He currently teaches filmmaking at New York University Abu Dhabi and is involved in the post-production of his upcoming feature film ‘Happy Holidays’, along with the development of the documentary ‘A Childhood’.
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