The winner of the “Me” category was Alina Mustafina, and the winner of the “Me and My School Category” was Shabari Shankar from Abu Dhabi Indian school. Held alongside the awards ceremony was a debate on “How to nurture talent in film making in the UAE.”
“It was great fun bringing the community together with educationists and film experts talking about how to nurture talent in film making. I thank NYFA, Imagenation, Abu Dhabi Media Company, Zayed University, British School Al Khubairat and the American Community School for being fair in their judging and generous in sharing their insight and knowledge. It is through collaboration and partnership that we can transform communities and incite positive change.” Sana Bagersh, Managing Editor, Tempo
“The films were all of an extremely high calibre and the decision to award was very hard. I congratulate all the filmmakers and the supporters of the event for expressing what they truly love about the UAE.” Simon Hunter, President of the New York Film Academy Abu Dhabi
“I was amazed about the quality of the videos from all the young participants. They were professional -grade pieces which showcased excellent storytelling and technical skills, and reflected the unique perspective of each director. Educators understand the importance of equipping students with 21st century skills to prepare them for life after school. I was honored to have been a part of this wonderful opportunity to help further the creativity of young minds in the UAE, and look forward to more film-making opportunities for our students.”
Jesse Remington, Technology Systems Coordinator, American Community School Abu Dhabi
“I was overwhelmed by the level of enthusiasm and passion in all who participated at the TEMPO-NYFA contest. I applaud their efforts and applaud the leaders in this industry who are committed to embrace and nurture talent. I am pleased to see a burgeoning film community that is brave and willing to get their ideas expressed visually and make the process fun! I made new friends and I hope to see them be part in the efforts of developing a motion picture industry in the UAE.”
Mohamed Al Otaiba, Head of Imagenation Abu Dhabi
“Media doesn’t know an age. Children, young people are always interested in watching television and learning more about the world. This passion for TV and media, especially in film making, starts where everything begins – home. Parents need to strengthen and enhance the child’s interest in the media and the social media. They can do simple steps to make their children curious about the media. They can for instance, buy them a simple camera and download a free editing program on their computer. [There are] simple tools that can build a great and new media generation who are passionate about the world of journalism and the power that comes from the media.”
Mohamed Farah, Project Production Manager, Abu Dhabi Media Company
“It was a truly inspirational evening and I am delighted to be part of such an amazing event”
Michelle Flemington, Head of Media Studies, British School Al Khubairat Abu Dhabi
“The I Love UAE film competition empowered many to express themselves creatively. Tempo did an excellent job attracting a diverse crowd in the ongoing effort to represent this quickly growing and developing city. There is no magic formula for great film or cinema, but in many of the films we saw glimpses of magic. Please continue to bring people together and more magic will happen.”
Dr. Nezar Andary, Assistant professor of Film and Literature, Zayed University
Hana Maki, film producer, and presenter of the event. ‘What a night! Great to see such fantastic mix of film enthusiasts in one room! There were guys from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, film producers as well as all the young filmmakers and their parents. I personally think at such a young age Billy Stewart has found his career, and Saadiq Nujam seriously impressed and sparked all our minds with his mini documentary. Daniel Malek, wow, his cinematography is beautiful. I hope each of the finalists remembers to never doubt themselves, to be proud of their work, and to keep trying. They have seriously impressed.’
ME- (OVER 18 YEARS) CATEGORY: Alina Mustafina
Alina, 27, works for Hyper Sun as a journalist. She has lived in the UAE for three years and hopes one day to become a film maker. As winner of the ME category she receives a 12 week intensive film making course at the New York Film Academy Abu Dhabi.
“I work for a community magazine in Dubai and one day we wrote about the ‘I love UAE film competition’ organized by Tempo. I brainstormed with my husband, my friends, my mum and dad and I also spent about three days watching the best short movies from all over the world to get some sort of inspiration but the idea I used was the idea that came to me the moment I decided to participate. My aim was to show people – simple, happy and smiling. I then began looking for a shape to combine all the characters together and I found it in a simple heart. I wished to show people with different ethnic and social background, men and women, boys and girls. So I shot people who work at the fish market, white collar workers, boxer, artist, Asians, Europeans, and Africans. It was hard to find music as well. I wanted to use something that had a mix of Arabic with a European twist but I found nothing suitable. Then one day, I heard the song ‘One love. Playing for change’. It was absolutely amazing and I thought it was so suitable for my video. At the ceremony my friends and I were really nervous. I was sweating and shaking and when the envelope was finally opened and I heard my name, I couldn’t believe it! I was so happy and kept shaking hands with all the jury members. And I’m going to study in one of the best film academies in the world!’
ME AND MY SCHOOL (11-18 YEARS) CATEGORY: SHABARI SHANKAR
Shabari Shankar, 16, studies at the Abu Dhabi Indian School. Shabari put together the video, along with an original song, with her four band mates. She received a video camera from Tempo and a workshop from NYFA Abu Dhabi for her school.
“I’ve always dreamt of being a singer/ song-writer and I feel this is something like a milestone which will help turning my dreams into a magical reality. My muse and my inspiration for this song was UAE. Since I’ve been born and brought up here, I wanted to pass a tribute so I tried expressing my love for UAE through a medium I’m really passionate about and I am really grateful to Tempo for giving us an opportunity to express our love for this country. I’m also very much thankful to my band members, Sneha, Neha, Saee and Kayan and my school.”
Tempoplanet.com’s chatbox
Shabz: Oh sure! I’m really thankful to all you lovely viewers and voters out there who made my dreams come true. And to my band members whose support kept me going. I really admire you guys 🙂 😀
Alan: Competition isn’t only about winning, it is about sportsmanship. Parents shouldn’t get upset when their children lose!
Alina: Thank you very much everybody!!! I am so happy and I believe that all dreams come true!!! Just wish and do!
Saadiq: It was a wonderful experience…..well done Alina and Daniel…it was great to share the stage with you people.
Ahmad Falafel: Whoever is judging this competition hopefully is judging it based on creativity.. Good luck to all the creative videos!
