The New Nation - Internet Edition

The 4th edition of the Dubai International film Festival was opened with a tremendous excitement and glamour as Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney took center stage to talk about his new film Michael Clayton in which he played the title character and officially inaugurated this year's much-awaited film fest.

Later, George Clooney offered insights into his life and work in a special public session joined by film critic Sheila Whitaker.

A host of international celebrities including Sharon Stone, Michelle Yeoh, Danny Glover and Latin superstar Gloria Estafan were expected to up the glamour quotient during the eight-day fest.

Emirate sis the principal sponsor of the Dubai International Film festival. Based on the theme: Bridging Cultures and Meeting Minds-the festival has been attracting an increasingly large international and regional talent of filmmakers and industry professionals.

By bringing visitors from all over the world to celebrate cinematic excellence in Dubai, the festival's objective resonates well with Emirates' own efforts to promote Dubai as a world-class center for tourism, commerce and sports.