Culture & Education | Wednesday 7 January, 2015 11:23 am |

One of Dubai’s very own is set to revolutionize the film industry in the UAE. Elia Petridis, a Greek Lebanese writer and director, was raised in Dubai and called it home for 18 years. The acclaimed Director, with films such as The Man Who Shook the Hand of Vicente Fernandez (2012), How Henri Came to Stay (2006) and Forgotten (2014), a film shortlisted for this year’s Best Foreign Film Academy Award is set to enter the UAE film industry.
“I hold very fond memories of the UAE, it was where my love of film started which eventually led me to being accepted at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, the highest ranked film school in the world,” said Petridis. “I have decided to come back to my roots, after several projects in Hollywood, to give back to the country that instilled the love of film in me. I want to share my knowledge and skills gained with the younger generation intent on making their mark in the cinema industry.”
Petridis also sighted his interest in working with local production houses as one of the reasons he has decided to make Dubai a part of his life once again.
“Dubai is an interesting mix of some 200 nationalities and each bring with them exposure to different cinema houses in the world and I hope to work with some of them to share insight on how different cultures go about producing and directing a film. I am also looking for opportunities to partner with the local entities of the global companies on different projects,” he said.
Petridis brings with him an illustrious portfolio of films he has directed, written and produced. His most notable work is The Man Who Shook the Hand of Vicente Fernandez, starring film icon and Oscar winner the late Ernest Borgnine as well as recent Oscar Nominee June Squibb, which he wrote, produced and directed. The film won critical acclaim at the Newport Beach Film Festival in Los Angeles, the South West Film Festival in Austin, Texas and SOHO house in Los Angeles before its theatrical distribution and release in the United States.
“The movie was based on a real man – Vicente Fernandez is a Mexican troubadour and a legend in Mariachi music. I learnt about him on a drive home one afternoon when a friend relayed Fernandez’s legend. One of my most cherished experiences of the film was working with Oscar winner Ernest Borgnine. Ernest was 96 when we made the film and no one knew it would be his last. It was such an honour for me as it was a completely transformative experience – film school is a far cry from working with a great actor such as Ernest. To have him pass the baton down to a young filmmaker like he did is overwhelming,” he said, relaying his experiences working on the film.
The Man Who Shook the Hand of Vicente Fernandez to be screened in Dubai on 6thof January 2015 at an invite only Red carpet event to bring the UAE industry professionals together on this special occasion.