Desert Superstars screens at 3D Korean Film Festival

ABU DHABI, 22nd October, 2014 (WAM)-- Desert Superstars 3D, the first 3D documentary from the U.A.E. reflecting the unique culture of country, has been screened at one of the leading festival for new stereoscopic 3D films, the 3D Korean International Film Festival.

The festival held its 6th edition of 3DKIFF at the Lotte Cinema Broadway branch, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

The film was produced under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Diab bin Saif Al Nahyan and followed his journey as a top camel breeder at Al Dhafra Camel Festival.

The 29-minute documentary was developed in coordination with the Canadian film production group, 3D Camera Company, and was directed by the Dubai-based Pierre Abou Chakra.

"In the GCC, there are certain elements that are present from birth in one's life - such as camels and the Bedouin life," Abou Chakra said. "The film's main stars are Sheikh Diab's three favorite camels. This has been his hobby since childhood, so it's through his point of view that the story is told." For centuries, camels have held an important status in the Gulf's heritage. The aim of the project is to demonstrate the majestic animals' "beauty and value".

The camera captures the most important moments of the annual Al Dhafra Camel Festival, which draws large tourist crowds and features more than 20,000 camels.

Camel owners come from all over the Arabian Peninsula and beyond to compete in various competitions - such as breeding methods, beauty and racing - that can fetch up to AED35,000 in prizes. Two categories of camels usually compete in the festival: Asayel (purebred) and Majahim (dark-skinned).

Also highlighted in the film are the Heritage Village and traditional market that takes place during the festival, and the Million Street, which annually hosts thousands of camel owners.

The producers and filmmakers hope the project will move more people outside the region into wanting to experience the festival first-hand. "I want this 3D movie to show the world what the Dhafra Festival is," said Sheikh Diab in an earlier interview.

Many countries participated in the festival including Germany, United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, Canada, Russia, Japan and Cyprus.

WAM/LTF/Moran