Omar Sharif’s last film to premiere at DIFF

Egyptian actor Omar Sharif’s last film will premiere at this year’s edition of the Dubai International Film Festival, giving the late actor’s fans one final look at him on the big screen.

Sharif came out of retirement to star in“1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham,”a short film by Ahmed Salim, which explores the life of 11th Century Arab polymath and philosopher Ibn Al-Haytham.

The short is partly animated, as seen on the trailer, with vibrant colors depicting settings from the 11th century.

“Ibn Al-Haytham’s inspirational life and his contributions to our world deserved to be appreciated by everyone especially the world of cinema and photography,” Salim said.

“This film attempts to honor his legacy and I hope it will engage the hearts and minds of millions of young people around the world,” he added.

In a one minute and a half trailer, Sharif’s powerful yet serene voice is heard narrating the story. He makes a brief appearance in the same trailer in which he speaks to a young girl.

Sharif had an iconic career and his death in July deeply saddened peers and fans all over the world. His films include Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Doctor Zhivago (1965) and Funny Girl (1968). He has been nominated for an Academy Award and has won three Golden Globe Awards.

“We were deeply saddened by the passing of Omar Sharif, whose career and life has left a lasting impact on the film industry and beyond,” DIFF’s Artistic Director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said.

“Today with his great strides in Arab cinema it is very fitting that we honor his last film in the Muhr Gulf Short Film category.”

The festival will run between Dec.9 and Dec.16 in Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah.