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META Film Fest to Return to Dubai in November

The annual festival showcases the best of international films. WAM
The annual festival showcases the best of international films. WAM
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META Film Fest to Return to Dubai in November

The annual festival showcases the best of international films. WAM
The annual festival showcases the best of international films. WAM

META Film Fest, the star-studded, four-day international motion picture gala, will return to Dubai for its second edition from November 9 to 12, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

The annual festival, which showcases the best of international films, promises an extraordinary celebration of cinema for filmmakers, industry professionals, and movie lovers alike, WAM said.

The META Film Fest 2023 will focus on delivering an unparalleled experience through its emphasis on quality content, workshops and masterclasses tailored for budding filmmakers, premieres of cutting-edge independent and studio-produced films, and a prestigious, high-profile judging panel.

With the support of content partners such as the Royal Film Commission – Jordan, Papillon Creative, Frontrow Entertainment, and MAD Solutions, and Festival Partners including Cinema Akil, the META Film Fest is set to bolster Dubai’s Creative Economy and support the UAE’s National Strategy for the Cultural and Creative Industries. The four-day celebration of films will take place at VOX Cinemas, Wafi City.

“This year’s META Film Fest will cement Dubai’s position and capability as a hub for filmmakers and creatives to congregate, share knowledge, and promote their own and their peers’ work. The festival garners immense appreciation from movie enthusiasts and industry professionals, and this year’s edition will see significant growth in the number and caliber of films being shown,” said Founder of META Film Fest Leila Masinaei.

The META Film Fest adopts an independent, objective approach in its shortlisting process, ensuring the best of the regional industry is spotlighted at the event. Over the four days, it will show more than 70 movies from 20+ countries, host 10+ workshops, and welcome more than 50 global celebrities and 15,000 attendees. The incredible roster of shortlisted films will be announced in the coming weeks, WAM said.

This year's awards will span 12 categories, covering feature films, short films, documentaries, debut works, student projects, films with a sustainability focus, and newly introduced special categories to celebrate home-grown UAE talent.

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US Singer Chris Brown Charged with Assault in Britain

US singer Chris Brown, pictured in 2020, is due in court in Britain after being charged with 'grievous bodily harm' over an assault at a London nightclub in 2023. VALERIE MACON / AFP/File
US singer Chris Brown, pictured in 2020, is due in court in Britain after being charged with 'grievous bodily harm' over an assault at a London nightclub in 2023. VALERIE MACON / AFP/File
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US Singer Chris Brown Charged with Assault in Britain

US singer Chris Brown, pictured in 2020, is due in court in Britain after being charged with 'grievous bodily harm' over an assault at a London nightclub in 2023. VALERIE MACON / AFP/File
US singer Chris Brown, pictured in 2020, is due in court in Britain after being charged with 'grievous bodily harm' over an assault at a London nightclub in 2023. VALERIE MACON / AFP/File

American R&B singer Chris Brown, the former boyfriend of superstar Rihanna, is due to appear in a UK court on Friday after being arrested and charged over an alleged assault at a London nightclub in 2023, police said.

Brown, 36, is known for mid-2000s hits such as "Kiss, Kiss" and a litany of legal troubles including a felony conviction for assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009.

He was arrested again in the early hours of Thursday at a hotel in Manchester, the Metropolitan Police said.

The singer, who has faced criminal accusations including sexual assault and domestic violence, remains in custody and will appear in court in the northwestern city at 10:00 am (0900 GMT) on Friday, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

Brown was charged with "grievous bodily harm with intent" in relation to "an assault, which reportedly took place at a venue in Hanover Square in London" on February 19, 2023, the statement said.

Brown allegedly attacked music producer Abe Diaw with a bottle at Tape nightclub in London's exclusive Mayfair district, The Sun daily reported.

The singer, who began his career in the 2000s and has sold tens of millions of records worldwide, was touring the UK at the time.

Brown reportedly flew into Manchester airport by private jet on Wednesday afternoon.

He is due to embark on a world tour next month, including several scheduled dates in the UK in June and July.

Police detained Brown early Thursday at the five-star Lowry Hotel in Manchester, according to media reports.

History of violence

The two-time Grammy winner rose to fame at a young age with his rich R&B voice and later rap, but his reputation was later tarnished by allegations of domestic violence and other abuse.

He was convicted of having beaten Rihanna before the 2009 Grammy Awards, forcing the pop star to miss the annual gala.

In 2012, Brown was involved in an altercation at a New York nightclub with members of hip hop star Drake's entourage, during which French basketball star Tony Parker suffered an eye injury after being hit by a thrown glass bottle.

Two years later, he pleaded guilty to assaulting a fan in Washington.

Brown, who rose from a local church choir in Virginia to sudden fame, was also arrested in 2016 after a woman alleged that he pointed a gun at her.

Earlier that year, another woman accused him of battery in Las Vegas.

He also was previously accused of raping a woman in a luxury Paris hotel. He denied the claim and was not charged.