Creating a new film festival poses no problems for Abu Dhabi, one of the richest places in the world. But using it as a base for nurturing the emirate's non-existent film-making culture is a far more tricky proposition Dreams of cinemas in the dunes … Eva Mendes and Eissa al-Mazrouei during the closing ceremony of the third Middle East international film festival. Photograph: Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images The emirate of Abu Dhabi has proven itself expert in building something out of nothing. What was a largely unpopulated island less than half a century ago is now a thriving metropolis. Where once there was sand, there are now lawns. And in a state built on and fuelled by oil, the foundations are being laid for the world's first carbon-neutral city. So turning this cultural desert into a cinematic hub should be a doddle. Abu... [read full story]
