KUWAIT: After a very successful event just last year, the AIU Film Festival returned to the American International University campus in Kuwait which started on Nov 5 and lasts until Nov 11. The festival promises to be a cinematic extravaganza once again, full of excitement and creative energy. For film enthusiasts, gear up for an immersive experience which is not only a showcase of films, but a celebration of storytelling, visual artistry and the magic of the silver screen.

This event is bigger, better and even more captivating than its predecessor, which was a very successful inaugural event last year. This year included seasoned professionals who are taking part in the screenings, workshops, and lectures until November 9.

Cinescape has joined efforts with AIU as a strategic partner in the Film Festival, helping to enhance the festival’s scope and reach by hosting screenings at their venues in Assima Mall and 360 Mall. This collaboration aimed to engage a larger youth audience in Kuwait. Cinescape’s experts will also serve as speakers, sharing valuable industry insights to elevate the festival’s quality and reach. In addition to Cinescape, AIU has also partnered with several esteemed sponsors – Debenhams, Weyay and Ali Alghanim & Sons – who have all generously supported the festival and demonstrated their commitment to the promotion of culture and arts, within Kuwait and beyond.

The speakers included award-winning Director, Dr Zeyad Al-Husaini, Deputy General Manager of Programs and Marketing at the Kuwait National Cinema Company, Ghalia Hayat, Director at the Bustop Creative Agency, Tarek Jammal, Director of Photography at Ethos, Aida Al-Zanki, Director Maryam Al-Abbad, Screenwriter Mohammed Al-Mayahi, and Executive Director Maryam Faisal Al-Omani. It also includes Creative Director, Costume and Set Designer Fay Faisal Al-Homoud, Producer, Director and Musician, Sayood and Co-Founder of Sinbad Pictures, Faisal Al Agel.

The first four days of the Festival were exciting with lectures that kept everyone excited and on the edge of their seats. It began with Dr Zeyad Al-Husaini as he spoke about his popular film, ‘How I Got There’ and the process he went through from script to film on Nov 5.

The next day was busy with two lectures as Aida Al-Zanki took the stage to give tips on “How to Get Into the Industry” before Mohammed Al-Mayahi spoke about “The Art of Storytelling”. November 8 saw two speakers as Tarek Jammal talked about “Framing the Emotions” while Maryam Al-Abbad tackled a critical topic focused on “Women in the Industry”. Last but certainly not the least was Sayood and he spoke about what made him the person he is today with the “Art of Animation”.

Throughout the festival week, the AIU Film Festival will of course, be showing screenings of films daily from 9:30-10:30 am and from 12:30-1:30 pm. “The Moon Follows Me”, “Night”, “Aalish”, “Traffic”, “The Mist” and many more captivating films await the screen.

This year’s film festival received an overwhelming response from filmmakers worldwide, with over 3,000 films submitted from over 114 countries. The selection process was rigorous, resulting in the showcasing of over 40 outstanding films that will be shown throughout the festival, which encompasses a wide spectrum of genres and styles, promising to captivate audiences and spark meaningful conversations.

What makes this festival particularly thrilling is the convergence of emerging talents and seasoned veterans all under one roof to exchange ideas, learn, and find various ways to grow. The screenings are not just about watching a film, it’s a shared exploration of the art form and the different ways storytelling can be effective.

The festival is planned to be concluded with an Award Ceremony taking place on November 11 to close the curtains on an educational, fun and engaging week. The AIU Film Festival is one that no one should miss as it promises to be a hub of artistic exchange, workshops, discussions and interactive sessions that delve deeply into the intricacies of filmmaking. It’s an opportunity for attendees to deepen their understanding of the craft, learn from established professionals, and perhaps even discover the spark that ignites their own creative journey.