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The full line-up of films screening at the seventh Abu Dhabi Film Festival was announced today at a press conference at Emirates Palace, the premier venue for the capital’s annual celebration of film. No less than 94 feature length films and 72 short films from 51 countries will be shown at the Festival.

The Festival will open with a Gala screening of LIFE OF CRIME (USA) directed by Daniel Schechter, who called the film his “dream project”. Based on a novel by Elmore Leonard, who also wrote the source material for JACKIE BROWN (1997) and 3:10 TO YUMA (2007), the film follows the misfortunes of two small-time criminals who hit it off in prison and decide to join forces for a big score on the outside.

Ali Al Jabri, Director of the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, returning in his second year at the helm says: “I hope Abu Dhabi is as excited by this year’s Festival line-up as I am. We have secured films that are delighting audiences and making waves around the world. It is a heady and stimulating mix of the best of international and Arab cinema, with something for young and old. There’s entertainment for the family, as well as more challenging films for cinema buffs and arm-chair critics. Once again we will be joined by a host of Emirati and international guests, who will bring all the glamour of the silver screen to our city. It’s only three weeks away, so start planning your visit now.”

A remarkable actress will be honoured with a Black Pearl Career Achievement Award this year: Hiam Abbass is a renowned Palestinian actress who has recently turned her hand to directing. She has enjoyed considerable international success as an actor, appearing in Thomas McCarthy’s highly acclaimed film THE VISITOR (2007) and Steven Spielberg’s MUNICH (2005) and has won numerous acting awards including a European Film Award nomination. As well as honouring her with the award, ADFF will feature the world premiere of her most recent film, PEACE AFTER MARRIAGE by Ghazi Albuliwi.

This year, the Festival will introduce a new award category recognising films which deal with the subject of child protection, thanks to the support of the Ministry of Interior’s Child Protection Centre which works to ensure safety and security of children. Best Film and Best Screenplay awards will be presented in recognition of the cinema sector’s efforts and contributions in the areas of child protection and children’s rights. The awards acknowledge the influential role of the film industry in raising awareness of these issues.

The Abu Dhabi Film Festival opens on October 24 and ends on November 2, 2013.

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