The 13th edition of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) will see the best in local and international films screened from December 7th to 14th at various locations throughout Dubai, including the Madinat Jumeirah Arena, Madinat Theatre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Mall of the Emirates, and The Beach. With so many films to watch, Savoir Flair has broken down its top picks by genre, from nail-biting dramas to memorable new-age musicals. Be sure to visit the festival’s official site to get your tickets and find out more information.
For the Drama Seekers
Jackie
This highly-anticipated film starring Natalie Portman is already garnering buzz for her (possibly Oscar-worthy) portrayal of US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis as she mourns her husband’s sudden and shocking death.
December 10th, 9:30 p.m.
Vox Cinemas, Mall of the Emirates
December 12th, 6 p.m.
Vox Cinemas, Mall of the Emirates
Nocturnal Animals
Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal star in this revenge thriller, which is based on Austin Wrights’ 1993 nail-biting novel Tony & Susan.
December 12th, 9 p.m.
Madinat Arena
The Worthy
Emirati filmmaker Ali F. Mostafa will present his third film at the festival, this time about a dystopian world where there’s no water supply but a whole lot of lawlessness.
December 9th, 6 p.m.
Madinat Arena
December 12th 6:15 p.m.
Vox Cinemas, Mall of the Emirates
For the Indie Buffs
Gaza Surf Club
This film tells the touching story of how surfing prevailed as a symbol of freedom despite the country’s conflicted and volatile circumstances.
December 8th, 9:30 p.m.
Vox Cinemas, Mall of the Emirates
December 10th, 6:45 p.m
Vox Cinemas, Mall of the Emirates
Burn Your Maps
Award-winning actress Brie Larson (best known for her role in Room) returns to the big screen in this adventure story about a boy who believes he’s a Mongolian goat herder. Leave it to Larson to keep you engaged throughout this fascinating film.
December 7th, 8 p.m.
The Beach, JBR
La La Land
Already considered to be one of the best films of the year, this modern-day musical stars big-screen sweethearts Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as they sing and dance their way through Los Angeles.
December 10th, 2 p.m.
Madinat Arena
For the Intellectuals
The Founder
Michael Keaton stars as the Illinois businessman who turned McDonald’s into the booming – and often controversial – food empire it is today.
December 10th, 9:30 p.m.
Madinat Arena
For the Sentimental Souls
Collateral Beauty
Will Smith, Helen Mirren, Keira Knightley, and Edward Norton come together for this emotional film about love and loss.
December 13th, 9:30 p.m.
Madinat Arena
Their Finest
This charming British romantic comedy directed by Lone Scherfig is set against the backdrop of the 1940s and tells the story of a woman who falls for a screenwriter while they are working on a film together.
December 9th, 9:30 p.m.
Madinat Arena
