Colin Firth to interact with public at 'In Conversation' session at DIFF 2010

Actor to be presented with Variety’s ‘International Star of the Year’ Award

Dubai, UAE; December 12, 2010: Renowned actor Colin Firth, the star of the opening film of the seventh Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), The King’s Speech, will interact with visitors to the festival at the 'In Conversation' session. It follows the actor being presented with the Variety ‘International Star of the Year’ Award today (Monday, Dec. 13) at the First Group Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah, from 4 to 5pm. Tickets to the event are on sale now.

Sponsored by the film and entertainment industry’s trade magazine, Variety, the award honours innovative cinematic talent for their contribution to the film industry

Shivani Pandya, DIFF Managing Director, said: “Colin Firth is among the most renowned names in the entertainment industry, and it is DIFF’s honour to bestow the ‘International Star of the Year,’ one of the most highly-ranked awards to him. Variety is at the forefront of promoting global dialogue in cinema and for DIFF, it is a perfect fit to host the award ceremony."

Actress Carey Mulligan (An Education; Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps) will be in Dubai to present the award to Colin Firth.

The English thespian, Colin Firth’s memorable performances include his depiction of Mr. Darcy on the 1995 television series of Pride and Prejudice, Bridget Jones’ Diary with co-stars Renée Zellweger and Hugh Grant, and BAFTA Award-winner A Single Man.

Last year, the DIFF presented Scottish actor Gerard Butler with the Variety ‘International Star of the Year’ Award.

DIFF 2010 box office locations are: Cinestar Mall of the Emirates, Madinat Souk and the CNN Building in Dubai Media City. Tickets can also be purchased through DIFF’s Dial-a-Ticket service at (04) 391 3378 and from the website www.dubaifilmfest.com.

The seventh edition of Dubai International Film Festival 2010 is held until Dec. 19 in association with Dubai Studio City. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah, the home of the Dubai International Film Festival, are the principal sponsors of DIFF. The event is supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

For more and updated information about DIFF, please visit www.dubaifilmfest.com