Fall is my favorite time of year, because it's when great film festivals begin blooming in the Arabian Gulf, just as autumn leaves drop off trees across Europe and the US.

With all these elements in place, it's easy to understand why Give Up Tomorrow has become one of the most fascinating and discussed documentaries of our time, awarded top prize at festivals the world over, and creating a movement for change in the global justice system.

At this year's dazzling Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the celebrity buzz has been deafening. After all, it would be An Officer and a Gentleman himself Richard Gere walking the red carpet on opening night, for the film Arbitrage.

Do you stay within your culture because it's more comfortable to date and marry what is familiar, or do we venture out of the confines of our culture to find what our heart truly yearns for?

In 2013 the Palestinian state may acquire non-member "observer state" status at the UN. This coming year could also see the first Palestinian entry on an Oscar short list and quite possibly an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.