Farayand Virtual World

* First female filmmaker gets self-funded work on screen

The UAE's first independent female filmmaker premiered her self-funded film - Unveiling Dubai - last night.

Nayla Al Khaja at the premiere of 'Unveiling Dubai' yesterday. ©Gulf News
Nayla Al Khaja, however, voiced her strong concern over the lack of financial support local filmmakers face in the UAE.

"I expected lots of support - and I received that from Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology. But let me remind you that equipment is not enough," Al Khaja told the audience before the special screening of the film at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"Filmmaking is an expensive medium, and for this we need a film guild. I was refused meetings at 16 private and governmental agencies...I am pushy, but what about other UAE nationals who aren't as strong-minded?" asked the 26-year-old filmmaker.

Al Khaja funded and directed the 40-minute independent film on a break from studies in Toronto, Canada. After putting Dh85,000 into Unveiling Dubai, the young filmmaker quipped that she had now "gone bankrupt". Al Khaja also funded the film premiere.

In making the film, she was assisted by a crew of 11, mostly "internationals" except for her cousin, another young UAE national.

The film captures Dubai through the eyes of a young German man, who explores the throbbing city guided by a local woman. The guide takes the man on a leisurely journey through the city. "It's a rather laid-back documentary," said Al Khaja.

Through the film, stereotypes about the Middle East, Dubai and local cultures, including women, are challenged. "Some people still think we (the UAE) export bananas," Al Khaja told Gulf News.
The event was opened by Shaikh Nahyan, who praised the filmmaker for her ambition and hard work.
(Source: Gulf News)