DIFF to open with Stephen Hawking biopic 'The Theory of Everything'
And close with 'Into the Woods'
Following a press conference held yesterday, new details of the 11th Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, have been revealed. Among them is a series of highly anticipated screenings for its red carpet gala line-up.
The Theory of Everything
This year, DIFF will open on December 10 with The Theory of Everything – the Stephen Hawking biopic from Academy Award winning director James Marsh starring Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones. It's an extraordinary story follows the life of one of the world's greatest living minds.
Into the Woods
Following the festival's proceedings, the humorous and heartfelt musical directed by Rob Marshall Into the Woods will close the event, serving as the title's international premiere and featuring an all-star cast including Emily Blunt, (who will be present) plus Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Anna Kendrick and Chris Pine, the film blends classic stories from Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel.
A total of 118 features, film shorts and documentaries are set to be screened over the eight days of this year's edition; it's 11th season including 55 world and international premieres from 48 countries in 34 languages.
At the opening ceremony, DIFF will present its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to prominent Egyptian actor Nour El-Sherif, for his work on more than 100 films in a career that has spanned almost five decades.
