The bags have recently been distributed to schools in Al Ain and Al Gharbia in Abu Dhabi, with the co-operation of the district directors of these schools.
New Horizons for ADFF: With submissions now open for its 2010 program, Abu Dhabi Film Festival has announced a new competitive section for fiction and nonfiction feature films by first- and second-time directors. To be called the Afaq Jadida (New Horizons) Competition, this section will focus on the work of new talents from all over the Arab world shown side-by-side with that of their international counterparts. Films in the competition will vie for ADFF’s Black Pearl Awards for Best New Narrative Film, Best New Narrative Film from the Arab World, Best New Documentary, Best New Documentary from the Arab World, each with a $100,000 cash prize.
Sounds of Arabia: The third season of “Sounds of Arabia” festival to kick off in the capital on 6 May and continue till 16 May, presenting for the first time in Abu Dhabi, a number of regional singers such as Syrian singers Wa’ad Bou Hasoun and Kinan Al Adhama, in addition to Mustafaa Saeed from Egypt. The new singers will perform in the festival in a new initiative titled “Youth Talents of Arabia”. Also, the festival will focus this year on the musical traditions in the Arabian Gulf in particular.
Tempo Loves…Channel 4’s Social Service Message
“Care for them, don’t inflict harm on them”
We applaud the Arabic public service campaign on Channel 4 called ‘Rabuuhum, la tuathebuhu’ which translates loosely into “Care for them, don’t inflict harm on them.” It shows a whimpering child who has been beaten up by her father. It then cuts to her father receiving people at her funeral, and people shaming him instead of offering their condolences. A brave campaign tackling a sensitive topic. We all know child abuse is an abhorrent crime–it shouldn’t be covered up in any society, and it shouldn’t be tolerated in any form.”
Tempo’s Vote!
Etihad Airways has announced it will operate five return services per week to Baghdad, operated by two-class Airbus A320 aircraft, and will expand its operation with two additional A320 return services to a second Iraq destination – Erbil – from June 1, subject to government and regulatory approvals, becoming the first airline in the UAE to fly to Iraq.
Helping Hand
Under the Patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of UAE General Women’s Union and Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation, the Diplomatic group for spouses of Ambassadors in the UAE will hold a charity bazaar at the General Women’s Union on 2nd May. The proceeds will help ease the suffering of Haiti victims and will contribute to worthy local charities like the Special Care Centre and Future Centre for Special Needs in Abu Dhabi. Tickets for a raffle draw with exciting prizes will be available at the entrance of the venue. Men are welcome to join in the fun and festivity as the event will feature stalls from various countries. A cultural experience and a good cause – it’s worth a visit folks!
