Emirati Cinema Night at Brussels’ BOZAR Forges Cultural Bridges with Europe
The UAE Embassy in Belgium hosted a landmark evening of Emirati filmmaking, showcasing the nation's thriving creative sector to over 200 European policymakers, cultural leaders and diplomats.
The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Brussels orchestrated an evening of cultural significance at the Centre for Fine Arts (BOZAR), presenting Emirati cinema to a distinguished European audience comprising policymakers, cultural institutions and members of the diplomatic community.
Presided over by Mohamed Ismail Al Sahlawi, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and the European Union, the event welcomed more than 200 guests from Brussels’ cultural and diplomatic circles. The Ambassador opened proceedings by highlighting the remarkable expansion of the UAE’s media landscape, which now encompasses over 10,000 media companies and 55,000 media professionals, experiencing annual growth exceeding 11 percent—the most robust rate across the Middle Eastern media and entertainment sector.
Three accomplished Emirati filmmakers shaped the evening’s programme. Nawaf Al Janahi, a founder of the Emirates Film Competition and director whose features have been screened across 27 countries, presented his short film “Somewhere in Time.” Abdulla Al Kaabi contributed his short film “The Philosopher.” Both directors attended the Brussels screening in person.
The programme’s centrepiece was an exclusive preview of “Voice of the Waves,” directed by Nahla Al Fahad with co-director Jibin Jose. This documentary emerged from seven years of research and two years of production, documenting the lives of fisherwomen in Rameshwaram, India and Jaffna, Sri Lanka whose existence is fundamentally shaped by the ocean. Completed for editing only days before the screening, the film was presented to one of its earliest audiences anywhere in the world.
Ambassador Al Sahlawi articulated the evening’s deeper purpose, observing that “cultural exchange and movies are tools of quiet diplomacy.” He emphasised that cinema fosters understanding between peoples in ways traditional diplomacy cannot, enabling audiences to develop genuine appreciation for one another’s cultures and perspectives.
The Ambassador reflected upon the UAE’s historical character, noting that “from its earliest days as a trading hub to its position today as one of the world’s most connected nations, this country has always oriented itself toward the wider world.” He described the nation as inherently outward-looking, committed to building connections and discovering common ground across continents and cultures.
The visual programme was enhanced by “Behind the Frame,” a photographic exhibition revealing the artistry and technical expertise sustaining Emirati filmmaking—from location scouting and set design through post-production refinement. The screenings culminated in a moderated discussion with the filmmakers, exploring Emirati storytelling traditions, the national film sector’s expansion, and cinema’s role in fostering societal understanding.
In closing, Ambassador Al Sahlawi invited guests to reflect upon which story remained with them upon departure—not which film was most accomplished, but which narrative they continued to carry forward into their lives. He observed that differing answers amongst the audience represented the essential value of such cultural exchange.
This Emirati Cinema Night formed part of the Embassy’s broader cultural diplomacy initiative in Brussels, complementing the UAE’s political, economic and development cooperation with Europe through meaningful people-to-people engagement. The United Arab Emirates has demonstrated substantial commitment to developing its creative industries in recent years, investing in national film production, professional training and essential infrastructure as components of its comprehensive economic diversification strategy.
Source: WAM