Theatrical run includes Sept 1 to 14 screenings at Reel Cinemas, Dubai Mall; Sept 15 to 28 at
Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi
Dubai, UAE; August 9, 2011: Pomegranates and Myrrh, one of the most original, powerful and
internationally acclaimed Palestinian films of recent years, will return to the UAE for a special
theatrical run in September, the Dubai International Film Festival said today.
Part romance, part drama and part political comment, the film, directed by Najwa Najjar, made
its world premiere at DIFF 2008 before going on to successes and rave reviews at the Sundance,
Rotterdam, Edinburgh, Durban, Locarno, Berlin, Cannes and other global festivals in addition to
special screenings across the United States.
It will screen in the UAE next month as part of the Dubai International Film Festival’s year-round
support of quality independent Arab cinema. In Dubai, the film will screen from September 1 to
14 at The Picturehouse, the dedicated arthouse cinema in Reel Cinemas, Dubai Mall; and at Vox
Cinemas, Marina Mall Abu Dhabi from September 15 to 28. The film is distributed by Founoon
Film Distribution.
Set in Ramallah this decade, Pomegranates and Myrrh narrates the story of a dancer whose
husband is imprisoned after defending her from an attack by a settler. In his absence and faced
with the threat of land confiscation, she seeks to regain her lifelong love of dance – and in so
doing meets a Palestinian returnee and choreographer. The film stars veterans of Arab cinema
Hiam Abbas, Yassmine Al Massri, Ali Suleiman and Ashraf Farah.
Critics around the world have applauded the film’s first-rate acting, screenwriting and
cinematography, and described Pomegranates and Myrrh as ‘accessible and remarkably well
made – not just for a film from this region, but anywhere;’ ‘100% worth a look;’ ‘a heartfelt
romance,’ and among ‘the best political films.’
DIFF Artistic Director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said the Festival is delighted to help bring quality,
contemporary and independent Arab cinema to the UAE audience outside of the DubaiInternational Film Festival and Gulf Film Festival.
“Our Arab film industry is home to extraordinary films and talents, and we are committed to
providing them with the largest possible platform, through the festivals, through our work to
promote Arab cinema abroad, and right here at home in the UAE. Appreciation of Arab cinema
can only thrive when there is access to it,” he said.
In 2010, the Festival also organized a theatrical run of the top-rated Algerian drama
Masquerades at The Picturehouse, as part of the partnership between DIFF and Reel Cinemas
as part to screen a selection of critically acclaimed films. DIFF is looking to build more year-round
initiatives, he added.
Pomegranates and Myrrh won the award for the ‘Screenplay Development Fund’ at the Amiens
International Film Festival; four awards at the Festival de San Sebastian Cinema in Motion
(2008); ‘Best Arab Film’ Audience Awards at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival (2009); the ‘Grand
Prix’ at the Amal Arab European Film Festival (2009); ‘Best Actress’ and ‘Best Cinematographer’
at the Muscat International Film Festival (2010); and the Youssef Chahine ‘Grand Prix de
Cinema’ and ‘Special Mention for Best Actress’ at the Festival International de Cinéma d’Auteur
de Rabat (2010).
DIFF is held 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 Festival is supported by the
Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.
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