The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has launched its first Environmental Film Festival, running from 20 to 25 April, aiming to increase public awareness on environmental issues in the United Arab Emirates and Arab region.
The festival features a number of long-feature and short film competitions in addition to special programmes, which focus on the effects of human civilisations on environmental changes and vice-versa. The topics of discussion are those that concern the world today, including issues of global warming, energy, and water.
Aside from the film competition, the festival will hold various activities, including seminars, workshops and art exhibitions. Currently open is a collective art exhibition that captures and discusses green issues.
Furthermore, Abu Dhabi University invited a number of environmental experts from across the Arab region and around the globe to engage in a dialogue with the public on urgent environmental issues. Participants are asked to suggest solutions and express their thoughts on the roles of individuals and governments.
On its opening night, the festival screened Promised Land, a joint USA and UAE production feature, starring Hollywood actor Matt Damon. The drama film is about a natural gas company salesman who experiences life-changing events after arriving in a small town where his business wants to tap into the available resources. Promised Land is directed by Gus Van Sant.
The festival also seeks to become a platform that inspires active figures in cinema from around the world to adopt environmental issues artistically, mainly through film and art. Joining the jury board for its first year festival is Egyptian actress Laila Elwi.
According to the festival's official statement, "Our mission revolves around creating an intellectual, psychological and environment guard mindset in the consciousness of those watching our shows on the big screen."
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