ABU DHABI // Stars from around the world of film and entertainment graced the red carpet last night for the opening of the second Middle East International Film Festival at Emirates Palace. Actress Meg Ryan flew into the capital to open the gala showing of The Brothers Bloom by director Rian Johnson. Stars of the movie including the Academy Award winning 'The Pianist' actor, Adrien Brody, joined the opening celebrations which went on until the early hours. Fans flocked to see Antonio Banderas and his wife, Melanie Griffith who have been in Abu Dhabi since earlier in the week, promoting film making in the region. "Abu Dhabi shone in the spotlight at MEIFF's official opening last night, and it's our aim to continue this focus on the nation's capital as the centre stage of the region's film industry," said MEIFF's Vice Chairman and ADACH's Director General His Excellency Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouei. Some of the region's biggest stars graced the red carpet including Lebanese actress, model and singer Serine Abdel Noor, Egyptian actress Yousra and Emirati actors Ahmed El Jasmi and Samira Ahmed. Speaking at the MEIFF's Opening Ceremony, Director Nashwa Al Ruwaini said: "Cinema has no religion, it has no nationality and it has no colour or language. It is a great manifestation of how culture breaches all boundaries and unites the world." mswan@thenational.ae
