Films on eco issues at ME film festival

Abu Dhabi, July 7, 2008 (WAM) - A number of films on environmental issues would be screened at the Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF), as part of a special programme dedicated to protecting the environment according to a report in 'Khaleej Times.'

The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH), the festival's
main organiser, decided to give the big screen an extra role to create the
much-needed awareness and initiate actions for the benefit of the
environment.

According to Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Director-General of ADACH and
vice-president of MEIFF, filmmakers and environmentalists from around the
world would join forces during the festival in the ultimate bid of saving
the planet.

"The world is facing a difficult task in its quest to protect
the environment and biological diversity from climate change and increased
pollution," said Al Mazrouei recently. "UN reports confirm that our planet
is currently facing its most severe wave of plant and animal life
extinction, with one species being totally extinct approximately every 20
minutes," he further stressed.

The MEIFF's competitions, with the deadline for applications for entry fixed
on August 10, include all types of long and short films, with a special
category for students. This year, the festival is extended to 10 days, from
October 10 to October 19.

It will include several new features: a competition for advertising films;
the "Festival of Festivals", a selection of movies screened at various
festivals around the world; and Abu Dhabi's Emirates Film Competition which,
from now on, will be incorporated into the MEIFF. The environmental films in
the festival will not be part of the competition but presented as an
adjacent programme.