Introducing the Short Film, Lost & Found in Dubai

Lost & Found in Dubai is a short film starring Ghassan Al Katheri and directed by Vasilis Billy Blioumis. The film is dedicated to Tim Smythe. In the interview below, both respond to the first question; Ghassan responds to the second; and Billy responds to the last three. For more information about the film, visit its official Facebook page.

1. What inspired the story of the film?

(Ghassan) In Dubai we live with more than 130 different nationalities. It's business city, and people think that the human feelings almost disappear with everyone so busy with his/her work.

(Billy) Dubai itself! :)

2. Where was the film made, and were there any challenges in shooting in the particular location (a park?) where the film takes place?

(Ghassan) For any films, there are challenges, but the biggest challenge we faced is using a phone camera to make the movie with very short notice and with zero budget.

3. I noticed at the end that the film was shot on a Samsung Galaxy Note. Why was the film shot in this way, and is there anything special or different involved in the process of editing a film shot on a smartphone?

(Billy) I was always against making movies with a phone and now... I did it. Mostly, because of the challenge. Yes, they have great features and quality, but I still prefer to make movies in the traditional way

4. How is it working in an international environment and why do we not see many international films from the Emirates?

(Billy) Emirates is a great country. Now why they do not make more films has to do with the fact that there is not really an industry here. I hope this will change but for sure it will not be easy.

5. What have you been doing to promote this film so far, and has it received any screenings?

(Billy) We only screened it up to now in Dubai Film Festival, and personally I have been disappointed. So we have applied to many international film festivals, and we hope that this little film will find some screenings and will be appreciated.

Thanks, Ghassan and Billy!

Meet Madisen Thero of Mouse Reels, a Disney Podcast

Madisen Thero is a junior Zoology major at Colorado State University. She is a member of the CSU Marching Band and is currently serving as Flute Section Leader. In her spare time, she podcasts with Jesse Barrett of WDW Through Jesse's Eyes on Mouse Reels and has a video blog channel on YouTube.

1. How did you decide to start a podcast about Disney movies?

Jesse and I talk many times during the week, and one day he said we should do a Disney podcast, so I said "Why not?".

2. What is it about Disney movies that keeps you coming back to them as a viewer?

The nostalgia kick is always there, growing up on all things Disney/Pixar as my family members are also fans. I also put the movies on to remind myself of the beautiful storytelling there; one of the closest things we have to magic is good storytelling, and Disney certainly paved the way for that. Also, as a college student, I need a pick-me-up once in a while.

3. Do you find that you have different feelings toward movies that you first saw as a child (like The Lion King) and movies you saw for the first time as an adult (like Frozen)?

Of course! With my childhood favorites, it's hard to say anything bad about them since they are dear to my heart. I go into the new movies I see with an open mind, and the analysis happens usually happens around the second time I see it. I have both enjoyed and not enjoyed some of the newer films.

4. What are some examples of topics you've covered--and plan to cover soon!--on Mouse Reels?

We've done a lot of the classics--Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, etc--and we also do a lot of lists, such as Top 5 Villains or Top 10 Songs. I really want to dive into the Pixar movies soon, much to Jesse's dismay!

5. Do you have plans to expand the podcast into other projects related to Disney movies?

We try to analyze and keep up with the new material as it presents itself, so if the opportunity arises, Jesse and I will most likely talk about it!

Thanks, Madisen!