It’s not everyday you get invited to a red carpet event and film premiere at one of the world’s fastest growing international film festivals. As the guest of BMW, the official car of the Dubai International Film Festival 2013, I was able to experience a small taste of the VIP life of a film starlet.
As Picture Editor of Emirates Woman magazine I spend a considerable amount of time sifting through thousands of red carpet images from all around the globe, from product launches to royal weddings – I feel like I’ve seen it all, but sadly not lived it. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to roll up to the carpet and waltz down it in front of flashing cameras. Finally, this was my chance to find out!
My star style treatment started with a pre-event pampering by the lovely Yana of the soon to be launched Marquee salon. The best part about the treatment was that I didn’t even have to leave my own home. Yana did a fantastic job of getting my hair red carpet-ready, giving me a confidence boost for my big moment.
I walked out my building feeling like Cinderella with my modern day carriage waiting outside. I was whisked off in an ultra-sleek silver BMW 7 Series and was feeling pretty chuffed with myself as we passed all the bright lights of Dubai and headed towards the Madinat Jumeirah with the Burj Al Arab as a beacon.
We came to a stop right at the start of the carpet, and filled with anticipation, I took my first step on the celebrity runway.
The Madinat theatre itself is a sight to see – extra large red seats set against a starry backdrop, it’s all very A-list. I thought it was quite fitting that the premiere was August: Osage County, starring Hollywood heavyweights Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts. It was a highly emotive film that reminded me of the power of great storytelling and even better acting.
With so many welcoming volunteers and places to stop to be photographed and soak up the atmosphere, it was such a feel-good experience. I felt exceptionally proud to be part of the DIFF experience and to be living in a city that can host such a slick event.
