The UAE’s latest film fest needs to fit in with other regional events, not ignore them

Originally published in Communicate, November 2007

If the Oscars is a fine five-course meal cooked with the best ingredients from around the world in a professional kitchen by accomplished master chefs, the awards ceremony for the inaugural Middle East International Film Festival was an attempt to create the same effect with supermarket own-brand tins, a two-burner hob and a stained Jamie Oliver book. It was an admirable try, and thoroughly enjoyable, but a little singed around the edges. Read the rest of this entry »