A Bahraini short film has made it into 20 international film festivals around the world.

Elements Cine Productions co-founder Saleh Nass wrote and directed ‘Central Market,’ which was screened yesterday (June 25) at the Valencia International Film Festival, making it the only Arab film taking part in the official competition, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The film runs for 10 minutes and tells the story of a boy (Abdulla Hassan Ali) who works his afternoons at the local fruit and vegetable market carrying and delivering groceries.

When an opportunity arises to make some more money by milking a goat at a nearby pen, he takes it.

The film also took part at the Cayman Islands International Film Festival last weekend, and a high-profile screening at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival last month.

“Central Market has been in about 20 festivals so far and hopefully there are more to come,” Nass told the GDN.

“It’s also going to be screened in Hungary at the Budapest Film Festival.

“Now I’m looking forward to the new short film ‘Pick Up’ to be selected for the circuit.

“We’re sending it to a few Arab film festivals and it’s also been getting selected in festivals of note, not Toronto or Cannes, but close enough.

“Everyone concentrates on those big festivals, which is great, but you can imagine how many selections they make.

“The others are industry festivals and they are accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations.

“Taking part in these festivals is important because it gives international recognition to the work that you do.

“Creating a short film means you’re not doing it for a wide audience because it’s not a popular thing.

“This is a narrative story that’s designed to be seen in a dark theatre with a communal audience.

“In order to be recognised as a filmmaker worldwide, it’s important to be a significant part of these festivals.

“You get peer recognition, industry recognition, and at the end of the day, Bahrain’s name is going around the world.”

Nass said he was currently developing a feature film called ‘Grace Period’ with producer Paul Baboudjian.

In 2012, Nass’ short film ‘Lu’bba’ (Game) was screened at over 20 international film festivals, including Slamdance Film Festival in the US.

Last year, it also became the first Arab film to be selected for the Manhattan International Film Festival. - TradeArabia News Service