The Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy launches a brand new initiative in partnership with Image Nation Abu Dhabi to spark a global discussion around cultural diplomacy through film.
This brand new virtual film screening series will bring together curated documentary content from the United Arab Emirates and enriching conversations about the country’s public and cultural diplomacy efforts. Each month, it will cover a diverse range of topics from disease control, women’s education, wildlife conservation and people of determination.
His Excellency Omar Saif Ghobash, Assistant Minister of Public and Cultural Diplomacy at MOFAIC stated: “The partnership between OPCD and Image Nation Abu Dhabi is aimed at supporting the film industry in the UAE by promoting young Emirati talents, and telling stories about life in our country as well as highlighting UAE initiatives. Indeed, at a time when there is a lot of uncertainty, the arts are proving to be invaluable in helping people through this period”.
“During these challenging times, we must celebrate the value that the film industry brings in terms of entertainment and knowledge. Documentaries are powerful tools that have the ability to educate in an engaging way that ensures a long-lasting impact on the viewer. Our partnership with OPCD will exemplify this influence. Image Nation maintains its commitment to inspiring others and telling the UAE’s stories.” added Michael Garin, CEO of Image Nation Abu Dhabi.
Thursday 14 May – Every Last Child
A few years ago, Pakistan was one of the only three countries where polio persisted and the number of victims was steadily decreasing. However, when the Taliban issued a ban against the polio vaccination, and attacked vaccinators, Pakistan’s campaign was ruined. This documentary follows its subjects; a medical specialist, a vaccinator, a vaccination skeptic, an adult polio victim and a sick child.
The screening was followed by a panel discussion: HE Omar Saif Ghobash, Assistant Minister of Public and Cultural Diplomacy discuss online with Mr. Nassar Al Mubarak, Director of the Office of Strategic Affairs for Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court who was a lead consultant on the film and Michael Garin, CEO of Image Nation Abu Dhabi and twofour54. Watch it here.
Monday 29 June – Back To The Wild
Back to the Wild explores this question, tracing the journey of Nya and her fellow Scimitar-horned Oryx as they travel from Abu Dhabi and return home to Chad after being extinct in the wild for over 25 years.
The film follows the Scimitar-horned Oryx Reintroduction Project — the largest mammalian re-introduction effort in history. It aims to serve as a blueprint for the re-introduction of species all over the world, and is a testament to the need to nurture and protect our natural environment for generations to come.
The screening was followed by a panel discussion: HE Omar Saif Ghobash, Assistant Minister of Public and Cultural Diplomacy discuss online with HE Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director, The Mohammed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. Watch it here.
Wednesday 30 September – Botoula
‘Botoula’ is the incredible true story of Emirati teenagers filmed by Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein.
Follow Maha, Reem AKA ‘John Cena’ and the boys on their way to the Jiu-Jitsu World Pro in Abu Dhabi in the ‘Botoula’ (championship).
After the online screening of ‘Botoula’, a panel session in English was held with HE Hanan Al Aleeli, Ambassador of the UAE to the Republic of Latvia; Mansour Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation. The conversation was moderated by Alma Al Mubarak, Image Nation Abu Dhabi. Watch it here.
Wednesday 18 November – ‘As One, The Autism Project’
‘As One’ is an emotional documentary film focusing on ten children, their parents and teachers involved in ‘The Autism Project ‘— a theatrical and musical programme in the UAE designed specifically for children on the Autism spectrum.
The Autism Project, an initiative started by Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aimed to raise awareness of Autism in the United Arab Emirates. Through the power of theatre, dance, music and performance, we provided a safe and positive space for children and families in the UAE from all different cultures and backgrounds.
After the film screening, an online discussion were organised with HE Fahad Al Raqbani UAE Ambassador to Canada, the Hon. Member of Parliament Mike Lake from Canada and Sharifa Al Yateen, Behavior Analyst. The discussion will be moderated by Hana Makki, Head of Documentary, Image Nation Abu Dhabi. Watch it here.
