Heralding a Promising Future for Arab Co-Production Platforms
The 8thAbu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF) has selected the Emirati feature A to B to screen in the festival's opening. Running from October 23rd to November 1st, 2014, the event witnesses the World Premiere of the film, which is considered the first Emirati film to open ADFF since the festival's launch in 2007.
Based on a story by the film's Emirati helmer Ali Mostafa, it is written by Scriptwriter and Producer Mohamed Hefzy, with contribution from Ashraf Hamdy and Ronnie Khalil. A toB is produced by PaulBaboudjian, MohammedHefzy and Ali Mostafa, with the support from twofour54, Abu Dhabi, and ImageNation Abu Dhabi.
Remarking on this, Mohamed Hefzy stated, "Making A to B over the last four years has been a wonderful experience that only comes along so rarely in one s career. The diversity of the talents involved and the ambition of the film make it even more special. We could not have asked for a better way to launch than the opening night of ADFF".
Paul Baboudjian shares a similar nostalgia with Hefzy and further added by saying, "Production wise it was a very interesting project to work on, not only because we proved to be able to do an amazing film, on the road, with a relatively small budget, but also because Ali is a real master, not only with his capacity behind the camera but also with his intuition on how to make the main leads interact. We were very lucky for having incredible talents who participated with great enthusiasm to this amazing collective effort. I am uttermost grateful for the support of Abu Dhabi's twofour54 and Image Nation. Without them of course the film would not be here with us, now and in this manner. They supported us and allowed us to proceed as well with a great amount of creative freedom".
Commenting on the importance of opening the festival with an Emirati/ Arab film, Ali Al Jabri, Director of ADFF, released the following official statement earlier, "The success of high-calibre Arab filmmakers like AliMostafa is a testament to the vibrancy of filmmaking in the region. This year's festival will highlight the growth of the film industry in the region and showcase the best Arab filmmaking talent alongside the best in world cinema".
In ADFF's official press release, Ali Mostafa added: "It is an honor to have my film A to B selected as the opening night screening of this year's Abu Dhabi Film Festival. It is a privilege to celebrate the World Premiere in our capital city and I am proud to have the first Emirati film to ever open the festival. This is another testament to our growing industry as the festival has proven to be a great platform for launching Arab films to an international audience".
Set to entertain audiences in the Arab world and beyond, A to B presents three young Arab expats who undertake a road trip from their hometown, Abu Dhabi, to Beirut in memory of their best friend. Their plan to cover 2,500 kilometers over three days is beset with obstacles and funny moments as they travel across the region.
