Oscar-nominated writer, director and producer Lee Daniels will head the jury for the 11th Dubai International Film Festival's prestigious Muhr Feature Competition.
His most recent film was the box-office hit The Butler (2013), which starred Forrest Whittaker, Oprah Winfrey and Mariah Carey. He also produced and directed the critically acclaimed Oscar winning drama Precious, for which he became the first African-American director of a film nominated for the Best Picture Oscar.
Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Diff's artistic director, said: "Lee Daniels is one of the most distinguished American filmmakers today, who has built his illustrious career on embracing the dynamics and diversities of life's challenging situations, he is uniquely poised to understand filmmakers from the Arab world, their aspirations, and their unique viewpoints."
Daniels said: "I'm thrilled to be visiting the Emirates for the first time and to have the privilege of being part of the Dubai International Film Festival's jury. This festival is truly a host to international cinema. It's an exciting time for me to join the festival and experience everything that it has to offer."
. Diff runs from December 10 to 17. For more information, visit www.dubaifilmfest.com
artslife@thenational.ae
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“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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