The Arab British Centre and the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) are collaborating to create a showcase that raises awareness of the diversity andvibrancy of Middle Eastern film.

The Arab British Centre is collaborating with ICA and Dubai International Film Festival to showcase an exciting line-up in Safar: A Journey through Popular Arab Cinema, a collection of classic and contemporary Arab cinematic masterpieces.

Safar: A Journey through Popular Arab Cinema will run from September 21 to 27. The weeklong screenings will give UK audiences a glimpse into the culture, people, traditions and heritage of the Middle East and North Africa.

The foiur films screening will include recent releases as well as re-mastered classics, most of which will be hitting British screens for the very first time, as well as work from emerging talents.

Safar curator Omar Kholeif’s selection includes the Jordanian Captain Abu Raed, winner of Best Actor at DIFF’s 2007 Muhr Awards, and Lebanon’s Stray Bullet [pictured], winner of Best Film at DIFF’s 2010 Muhr Awards.

 Screenings will be accompanied by Q&As with stars including Khaled Abu Naga (One-Zero), director Amin Matalqa (Captain Abu Raed), and director Marwan Hamed (The Yacoubian Building).

We are proud to support this unique collection of films and partner with the Arab British Centre to promote the cultural diversity of Arab cinema” noted Abdulhamid Juma, Chairman of the Dubai International Film Festival.