The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Brussels hosted Emirati Cinema Night at the Centre for Fine Arts (BOZAR), bringing Emirati filmmaking to a European audience and highlighting the role of cinema in building cultural connections between the UAE and Europe.
Hosted by H.E. Mohamed Ismail Al Sahlawi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and the European Union, the evening welcomed more than 200 guests, including policymakers, representatives of cultural institutions, and members of Belgium’s cultural and diplomatic communities.
The event provided an opportunity to introduce European audiences to Emirati cinema while highlighting the importance of film in bringing people together and encouraging greater understanding across cultures.
Emirati Cinema Brings Cultures Together in the Heart of Brussels
Emirati Cinema Night offered European audiences an opportunity to discover the UAE’s filmmaking experience through stories reflecting different perspectives and human experiences.
Organized as part of the UAE Embassy’s cultural diplomacy efforts in Brussels, the evening brought together diplomats, cultural figures, and filmmakers, creating a space for cultural exchange and dialogue.
The program featured three Emirati filmmakers. Nawaf Al Janahi, one of the founders of the Emirates Film Competition, presented his short film “Somewhere in Time.” His feature films have been screened in 27 countries. Director Abdulla Al Kaabi presented his short film “The Philosopher,” with both filmmakers traveling to Brussels for the occasion.
A highlight of the evening was a private preview of “Voice of the Waves,” directed by Nahla Al Fahad and co-directed by Jibin Jose. The documentary, developed through seven years of research and two years of production, follows fisherwomen in Rameshwaram, India, and Jaffna, Sri Lanka, whose lives are closely connected to the ocean.
Completed in the week of the screening, the documentary was presented to one of its first audiences, adding a special dimension to the cultural evening.
Mohamed Al Sahlawi: Cinema as a Universal Language for Understanding Between Peoples
H.E. Mohamed Ismail Al Sahlawi emphasized the importance of cinema and cultural exchange in bringing people closer together and fostering greater appreciation between societies.
Speaking during the evening, H.E. Al Sahlawi said: “Cultural exchange and movies are tools of quiet diplomacy. This is stating the obvious, but it is worth repeating: when people encounter each other’s movies, music and culture they develop a deeper appreciation for each other, in a way that politics or traditional diplomacy cannot.”
He added: “The UAE has never been a place that looks inward. From its earliest days as a trading hub to its position today as one of the world’s most connected nations, this country has always oriented itself toward the wider world. We are a country that has always reached outward: building connections, forging partnerships, and finding common ground across continents and cultures.”
UAE Media and Entertainment Industry Sees Rapid Growth
H.E. Mohamed Ismail Al Sahlawi also highlighted the continued expansion of the UAE’s media and entertainment industry, noting the country’s growing position as a hub for media companies and professionals.
The Ambassador pointed out that the UAE is now home to more than 10,000 media companies and 55,000 media professionals, with the sector recording annual growth of more than 11 percent, the fastest rate of any media and entertainment market in the Middle East.
“Behind the Frame” Exhibition Reveals the Craft of Emirati Filmmaking
Alongside the film screenings, guests had the opportunity to explore “Behind the Frame,” a photographic exhibition showcasing the creative and technical work involved in Emirati filmmaking.
The exhibition offered visitors a closer look at different stages of film production, from filming locations and set design to post-production, highlighting the craftsmanship behind the country’s expanding film industry.
Through its photographs, the exhibition provided a view of the work that takes place behind the camera and the creative and technical expertise involved in bringing films to the screen.
Open Dialogue with Emirati Filmmakers
Following the screenings, a moderated discussion with the filmmakers explored Emirati storytelling, the development of the national film industry, and the role of cinema in strengthening understanding between societies.
The conversation provided an opportunity to discuss the Emirati filmmaking experience and the ways in which cinema can introduce local stories to international audiences.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of cultural exchange in connecting filmmakers and audiences from different backgrounds.
Emirati Stories That Stay with Audiences
In his closing remarks, the Ambassador encouraged guests to leave the cinema with a question rather than a conclusion, inviting them to reflect on which of the stories they had seen would remain with them after the evening.
He asked: “Not which film was best made, but which one you are still carrying when you step out onto the street.”
He observed that the answer would be different for everyone in the room, and that this difference was precisely the point.
His closing message reflected the ability of cinema to create personal experiences and leave different impressions on audiences, opening the door to further conversation and cultural understanding.
Cultural Diplomacy Strengthens Ties Between the UAE and Europe
Emirati Cinema Night forms part of the UAE Embassy’s cultural diplomacy program in Brussels, which promotes people-to-people engagement alongside the country’s political, economic, and development cooperation with the European Union.
