Deepa Mehta's double celebration at Dubai film fest

Mumbai, Dec 15 (IANS) It was a double celebration for Canada-based Indian filmmaker Deepa Mehta at the ongoing Dubai International Film Festival.

'My 'Heaven On Earth' was screened and my brother Dilip Mehta's film 'The Forgotten Woman' has also been screened. His film has gone to several festivals all over the world. Everywhere it's been raved about. Dubai is no exception. You're talking to one proud sister,' Mehta told IANS from Dubai.

Mehta's 'Heaven On Earth', about domestic violence that stars Preity Zinta in the main lead, was showcased Saturday and she says everyone appreciated the movie.

'The experience was surreal. The audience composed of directors and film buffs from all over the world watched in rapt attention. Preity and I introduced the film. And then we were huddled into the green room until the end of the film. Then we attended the Q& A session,' she said.

Mehta says she was delighted to see Preity in Dubai.

'I didn't expect to see Preity in Dubai at such a short notice. It was very sweet of her to come since 'Heaven On Earth' is as much her film as mine. In fact, more hers. Everyone was raving about Preity after the screening last night.'

In Dubai, Mehta also ran into a very old friend.

'I met Goldie Hawn. We've known each other for years. We had dinner together on Sunday night. I was introduced to Nicolas Cage. It's amazing how interested they are in our cinema.'