[Discussion] DIFF 2010: Dubai International Film Festival 2010

[ayaa1977]

The festival this year will be held between 11-19th of December, and I am planning to attend, God Willing. My question to you, and it is important that you give me an answer so I can book my flight early on. What are the crucial days to attend usually? Is it better to extend my trip to attend each and every day, or can I skip the opening or closing night without missing something important?

Currently there are insanely cheap flights between Jeddah and Ras Al Khaimah and I wanna take advantage of such an opportunity. So guys, help me planning my trip, please!

[shariqq]

Essential days will be 12th to 18th Dec, both inclusive. I'm on leave for those seven days, back at work on 19th.

[ayaa1977]

Essential days will be 12th to 18th Dec, both inclusive. I'm on leave for those seven days, back at work on 19th.

Wonderful! I can come on Sunday the 12th and leave the 19th then. I was planning on flying to Dubai on Saudi Airlines, but the price for the tickets on RAK Airways are too cheap that they justify the 85 km drive back and forth. it is less the 25% of what I would pay if I fly direct to Dubai.

[X.]

Opening night is red-carpet gala premiere; from a cinephile's perspective, it's pretty useless.

[fizz]

Opening night is red-carpet gala premiere; from a cinephile's perspective, it's pretty useless.

Ak nails it. You have to buy the insanely expensive gala tickets (last years prices AED 80) to attend a screening that is at least an hour late (stars walk the red carpet) and people applause even if its a shitty film, because the stars/makers are in attendance. Also, most gala screenings (opening and closing nights included) usually play as regular shows sometime during the week. Feel free to skip opening night without inhibition. Also, the drive between RAK and Dubai is a breeze.

[kaytee]

Im off from the 12th to the 19th too. Sometimes on the last day they have shows till late afternoon, I remember they had Howls Moving Castle as the last show one time. So if you have a flight late in the evening or night then you should be fine. The opening day for us cinephiles is generally the day after the festival starts which in this case will be 13th.

[ayaa1977]

Thanks guys for the feedback, it was most helpful. So I booked my tickets (cost me AED 303, can you believe it coz I can't), and if things went as planned God willing, I can attend every day in the festival except closing day because my flight back home would be early in that morning.

One more thing, since the screening are held mostly in MoE, I booked a room in Barsha near MoE, what do you think? Do you think this year will be different when it comes to venues?

[X.]

One more thing, since the screening are held mostly in MoE, I booked a room in Barsha near MoE, what do you think? Do you think this year will be different when it comes to venues?

Most screenings happen at MoE. There is a free shuttle that runs from MoE to Madinat Jumeirah, which is an excellent courtesy for filmmakers and press. I am not sure the general public are allowed.

That being said, God willing, many WM members will be attending DIFF this year, so you can always hitch a ride with one of them. One of the most fun aspects we have here on the forum is *putting our DIFF movie schedule together* which is usually a mix of personal interests, recommendations from others and being in screenings with fellow WM members! So you'll be fine, I think...

[madali]

Making the film schedule is a difficult work but so rewarding!

I wish I was there! AK, are you going?

[X.]

I wish I was there! AK, are you going?

Not sure; but my chances seem to be better than yours...

[shariqq]

There is a free shuttle that runs from MoE to Madinat Jumeirah, which is an excellent courtesy for filmmakers and press. I am not sure the general public are allowed.

Yes, the general public is allowed on the shuttle buses.

[X.]

There is a free shuttle that runs from MoE to Madinat Jumeirah, which is an excellent courtesy for filmmakers and press. I am not sure the general public are allowed.

Yes, the general public is allowed on the shuttle buses.

Thanks for clearing this up. I am sure Ayaa will be very happy now!

[ayaa1977]

I am glad that you guys are as enthusiastic about this as myself. Hopefully DIFF2010 won't disappoint like last year's.  It is also a plus that you guys are taking vacations during DIFF, since I will be coming solo and can use the company. Not that travelling solo is something I am not used to, I actually prefer that sometimes, but having friends with shared interests to hang with is a big plus. 

[shariqq]

Hopefully DIFF2010 won't disappoint like last year's.

Why do you say last year was disappointing?

[sandeep]

I wont be in town! One of the many things I have to get used to not doing!... Enjoy... Will follow your choices and live the craziness through you...