UAE named Country of Honour at Cannes

Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister for Climate Change and Environment, represented the country on a global stage on Sunday at the Cannes Film Festival 2019 for a different kind of accolade, albeit one still linked to the environment.

The UAE was named Country of Honour 2019, a distinction conferred by the Monaco Better World Forum (MBWF), a global platform of thought leaders and influencers dedicated to innovating and enhancing the standard approaches to humanitarian aid, business best practices, biodiversity preservation, and environmental conservation. The accolade recognises the UAE’s outstanding commitment to climate action and the country’s environmental stewardship over the years.

Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, accompanied Dr Al Zeyoudi on the visit to Cannes. Introducing the attendees to the prize, its objectives, and significant achievements to date, she invited them to visit the UAE and witness the upcoming award ceremony firsthand.

At the awards gala hosted by MBWF as part of the Cannes Film Festival 2019, Dr Al Zeyoudi also received the Colombe d’Or in recognition of his ongoing contribution to global environmental protection.

Prince Albert II of Monaco received this award in 2018.

Also attending the gala dinner and walking the red carpet with Dr Al Zeyoudi were a host of celebrities and environmental advocates, including American actor Christopher Tucker.

Speaking on the honour bestowed upon the UAE and himself, Dr Al Zeyoudi said: “Such prestigious international accolades validate the UAE’s sustained and incredible environmental and development journey.

“Our steadfast commitment to preserving the resources of the natural world and mitigating the causes of climate change at home and around the world through a suite of legislations and strategies as well as initiatives and projects on the ground have garnered the country international attention as a vocal environmental advocate.” 

Dr Al Zeyoudi hailed the role of the Monaco Better World Forum in leveraging the combined power of entertainment, brands, technology, and culture to raise awareness and mobilise millions of people around the world to act proactively for the environment.

‘Rashid & Rajab’

Separately, Image Nation Abu Dhabi’s upcoming Emirati comedy film, “Rashid & Rajab”, has been acquired by international sales agent AGC International in a deal signed at the Cannes Film Festival in France, reports WAM.

AGC International, the international sales and distribution division of AGC Studios in Hollywood, will handle the distribution of the film to exhibitors, broadcasters and streaming platforms globally.

The comedy is already being distributed within the MENA region by Tanweer Films, scheduled for release in the GCC during Eid, and in Egypt later this summer.

Shot in Dubai, the UAE production is the first live-action feature film from Emirati director Mohammed Saeed Harib, best known as the creator of the iconic animated TV series, “Freej”.

The film was produced by Emirati filmmakers Ali Mostafa (The Worthy, From A to B) and Majid Alansari (Zinzana), alongside Breakout Film’s Rami Yasin (Shabab Sheyab).

The family-friendly comedy follows wealthy Emirati executive Rashid (Marwan Abdullah Saleh), and carefree Egyptian fast-food delivery man, Rajab (Shadi Alfons), who switch bodies after a freak accident on their way to work.

“We are honoured to be partnering with AGC Studios on the international sales for our upcoming release, ‘Rashid & Rajab’,” said Ben Ross, Chief Content Officer at Image Nation Abu Dhabi.

“Having Stuart and AGC Studios supporting ‘Rashid & Rajab’ on an international level is testament to the film’s universal charm and appeal. We can’t wait for audiences in the UAE, and around the world, to see the film.”