Contemporary African Art Exhibition Series
  

Dubai International Film Festival

Posted under News on 22 December, 2010

Last week As It Is! Curator Annabelle and artists Ntare Guma, Angele Etoundi Essamba joined the international movie world and Dubai dignitaries for the VIP opening of the 7th Dubai International Film Festival.

DIFF, a major international festival, attracted stars Colin Firth, Ed Harris, Colin Farrell and Sean Penn (who later cancelled his trip to help with emergency aid in Haiti) for a weeklong program of events and premiers.

Rubbing shoulders with Hollywood and Bollywood elite for the screening of The King’s Speech, Ntare, Angele and Annabelle enjoyed an evening of entertainment, paparazzi and the glamorous hospitality of the Madinat Jumeriah.

Amongst VIP guests was Lifetime Achievement honoree, Malian filmmaker Souleymane Cissé who was invited to attend a private viewing of ‘Africa Uploaded’ at The Mojo Gallery.

London based As It Is! Curator Annabelle, in Dubai for the fourth time was delighted to see African artists strongly represented in the Dubai film festival: ‘I am encouraged and inspired by the interest DFF has in African artists and film – smashing boundaries is something the UAE seems to be incredibly successful at. ’

Ntare was on the silver screen at DFF later that week for the regional premier of his latest film ‘40’. A debut for Turkish Director Emre Sahin, DFF acclaimed 40 as a ‘Brilliant, stylish and thrilling debut feature. Filmed on location throughout the city [Istanbul], 40 blends a rough realism with an allegorical edge and announces the feature debut of one of Turkey's most interesting young directors.’

Ntare is not new to the red carpet. He acted alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in the blockbuster movie ‘Blood Diamond’ and enjoys stateside fame for roles in hit HBO series ‘Heroes’, ‘ER’ and more recently ‘Treme’. His theatre credits are just as impressive; Ntare has trod the boards at The Steppenwolf Theatre, The Kennedy Centre, The Lincoln Centre and Centre Theatre Group.

In Dubai for the first time for group exhibition ‘Africa Uploaded – Experiences through the Lens’, Gulf News interviewed Ntare about his upcoming acting and photography projects – and which role he prefers: ‘I do everything that challenges me. I'll take on any working style that pushes me creatively. That's always interesting."


Dubai International Film Festival 2010


Ntare and Annabelle at DIFF 2010


Ntare, Annabelle and Angele at DIFF 2010

  

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