Immersive art experiences defined Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert fest

Among other offerings, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) presented a diverse array of murals, art installations and interactive activities during the fourth edition of Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert festival (Jan. 4 – 12). It was a celebration of creativity, film and art, from sand to screen, under the stars. The initiative featured over 80 films and immersive cultural experiences that blended heritage with innovation. The theme ‘Where Stories Come to Life’ additionally invited visitors to explore experiences that merged art and technology. Among the highlights was the ‘Immersive Experience Zone’, showcasing cutting-edge digital exhibitions, including installations by artists like Nuclear Samurai, Naime Pakniyat and Rakesh Pulapa.

A scene from the festival.

The ‘Digital Gallery’ featured AI-powered artworks by Lina Kattan alongside contributions from Zayed University students, which explored the role of technology in creative industries by fashioning AI-driven films and audio tracks. Emirati artist Abdulla Lutfi presented a mural celebrating the UAE’s natural landscapes, while Ghaleb Hawila’s piece highlighted the beauty of Arabic calligraphy, sculpture, and the local environment. Mikhail Antykov’s installation delved into the human personality, while artists Jasmine Mohammed Rizvi and Shakir Sulaiman presented the mural ‘Where Stories Come to Life’, which reflected the ability of filmmakers to inspire children’s imaginations, encouraging them to explore the world of cinema through storytelling techniques. Emirati poet Dr. Afra Atiq’s poem installation ‘Under a Ghaf Tree’, was inspired by the festival’s layout design and evoked a sense of appreciation for the desert and the Ghaf tree.

Creations motivated by Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve were also on display. They included Hind Al Rais’ designs, which celebrated the reserve’s biodiversity and cultural heritage through Al Sadu-inspired patterns, and Fatema AlKaabi’s illustrative works. Waggish’s designs reflected the whimsical charm of Al Marmoom during winter, while Hala Gebran’s creations merged Western design principles with Arabic language and culture. Emirati entrepreneur Hamoud Al Hammadi’s HH Perfumes captured the essence of Emirati fragrances, while Shamma Al Marzouqi’s handwoven garments, paid homage to local traditions.

Learning the ropes at a workshop.

The festival presented over 30 workshops and seminars. Highlights included insights into documentary filmmaking by director and poet Nujoom Al Ghanem in her session ‘Documentary Filmmaking’. In ‘Preparation of the Text and Ideas Draft’ director Talal Mahmoud emphasised the importance of cinematic drafts as the foundation of every story, concept, and screenplay — from concept to culmination. Director Hani Alshaibani provided an introduction to film direction for beginners, indicating the pathway to professional filmmaking in ‘Film Directing’ and Salem Aljunaidi discussed the standards and essentials of digital platforms in ‘Dealing with Digital Platforms’.

Further enriching the schedule, Mariam Alserkal highlighted the criteria for award eligibility at festivals in her session ‘The Essentials of Film Acceptance for Festivals’. Director Hussein Al Ansari explored cost-effective production strategies in ‘Low-Budget Film Productions.’ The event also offered diverse hands-on workshops. Hani Alghas introduced techniques for producing content using mobile phones in ‘Film Content Production’, while Farah Khir’s ‘Cinematic Makeup’ focused on the art of professional makeup and special effects.

Hala Badri (left) at the site.

Nawaf Almatrooshi covered lighting and visual composition in ‘Cinematography’ and Mohammed Al Hameed explored the fundamentals of video and film editing in ‘Production’. Participants also explored topics such as Khadidja Akhmad‘s ‘Introduction to Astronomy’ and Eisa Kayed’s ‘Preparing an Actor’ session. Artist Marai Alhalyan explored performance techniques in ‘The Actor’s Tools’ while Sheeraz Awan explored the wonders of the sky in ‘Arabian Astronomy: Stories the Sky’ and ‘Telescope’. Activities also delved into ‘Cinematic Special Effects’ and ‘Lighting and Sound’.

The fest featured workshops for a younger audiences. Key sessions included Ali Nabeel’s ‘Kids Pantomime Acting’, which explored pantomime as a cinematic art form to enhance children’s intelligence and communication skills. In the ‘Kids Storyboard Editing’ workshop, participants learnt post-production techniques using tablets, while the ‘Short Animated Film’ session introduced cartoon filmmaking and image animation. Sultan Dafoonon equipped young learners with essential artistic skills in ‘Child Actor and Technician Preparation’ and ‘Kids Photography’. Talal Mahmoud added to the youth-focused agenda with ‘Fundamentals of the Idea and Formation of Photography’.

Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children hosted workshops on pottery shaping, scarf printing using carved templates and fabric dyes, flipbook animation, clay-based animation for short stop-motion scenes, besides others. The event featured performances by prominent artists including Saif Al Ali, Alya Alshamsi, Jaber Al Maazmi, Naser Amir, Humaid Al Aleeli, and Mariam Al Shamsi. There was also live music, reflecting the nation’s heritage. Cuisine highlights included Presto, founded by Chef Maitha, serving locally-inspired dishes and comforting winter treats; PDL Coffee Co. and Grain Cafe for coffee lovers; Machu Picchu, a Peruvian restaurant combining traditional flavours with contemporary techniques; and Estkanah Chai, known for Emirati tea and signature dishes.

Additional dining options included GatherOn, a street food brand, and Aptitude. Visitors also looked forward to food trucks serving favourites like lugaimat and rigag, alongside cinema classics such as popcorn and nachos. Chef Hanan offered several traditional Emirati food and catered the VIP gala dinner. Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), attended the festival, engaging with various participants, directors, and filmmakers. The festival was held in collaboration with an extensive list of partners, including Dubai Mounted Police, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Ambulance, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, Roads and Transport Authority, Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, The Climate Tribe, Lina Kattan, Emirates Airlines, Zayed University, Sandooq Al Watan, Emirates Photography Society, Maraya, Freej, Ferjan Dubai, and Immersee.