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Ali Shifau
Shifau holding an award
Shifau receiving the National Award of Recognition, 2018
Born (1977-05-19) 19 May 1977 (age 47)
Male', Maldives
Occupation(s)director, cinematographer, editor
Years active2006–present
SpouseAishath Yaadha
Children2

Ali Shifau (born 19 May 1977) is a Maldivian film director, cinematographer and editor. One of the most successful filmmakers in Maldivian Cinema, Shifau is the recipient of a number of awards, including seven Gaumee Film Awards, and four Maldives Film Awards. In 2018, the Government of Maldives honoured him with the National Award of Recognition.

Career

[edit]

Ali Shifau collaborated with Moomin Fuad to direct the critically appreciated crime film Heylaa (2006) featuring a cast of Ismail Rasheed, Ahmed Mauroof, Zeenath Abbas, Lufshan Shakeeb and Abdulla Muaz.[1] The film narrates the story of a fourteen year old ambitious boy who finds himself unknowingly being involved in the smuggling of a revolver.[2] Apart from directing the film, Shifau worked as the editor and cinematographer, marking it as the first Maldivian film to be shot in high-definition digital video.[3] Though the film received positive reviews from critics, it was a commercial failure.[2][4] Shifau opined that its commercial status was a result of casting "not very prominent" faces in the film and the "film-goers were not ready to accept the genre" at the time of its release.[5] Ahmed Nadheem from Haveeru praised the narration and direction; "The film is embroiled in a realistic story which has sensible characters who are emotive under the helm of two great leaders serving as directors".[6] At the 5th Gaumee Film Awards ceremony, Shifau won Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction award.[7]

Three year later, the duo reunited for a suspense thriller Happy Birthday (2009) which narrates the story of a simple man who receives a call on his birthday informing him that his wife and son have been kidnapped, only to be returned for a ransom.[8] The film was a commercial failure, despite the positive response from the critics.[8] Winning five Gaumee Film Awards and twelve Maldives Film Awards, the film was also screened at the Venice Film Festival.[9] The film earned him several accolades including his first Gaumee Film Award for Best Editing.[10]

After being involved in two art films, Shifau paced his direction more into a commercial phase with family drama Dhin Veynuge Hithaamaigaa (2010) starring an ensemble cast including Yoosuf Shafeeu, Niuma Mohamed, Ali Seezan, Mohamed Manik and Ravee Farooq.[11] The film showcases discrimination against the islanders, family revenge and fatherhood responsibilities.[11] It received a positive response from critics while his direction and use of a "unique approach in presenting the concept to the romance-starved Maldivian audience" was particularly noted and was believed to be a "huge improvement" compared to the recent Maldivian films.[8] Despite the commercial failure for his previous two films, Dhin Veynuge Hithaamaigaa was declared a commercial success.[8] He then directed the psychological romantic thriller Zaharu (2011) starring Ali Seezan, Niuma Mohamed and Sheela Najeeb.[12] The film centers on a married man who has a weekend affair with a woman who refuses to allow it to end and becomes obsessed with him.[12] The film was inspired from Adrian Lyne-directed American psychological erotic thriller film Fatal Attraction (1987).[12] Upon release it received a mixed response from critics and was declared a "flop" at the box office.[8]

In 2013, Ali Shifau directed the horror film Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun 3D which serves as a prequel to Fathis Handhuvaru (1997) starring Reeko Moosa Manik and Niuma Mohamed in lead roles. It was based on a story by Ibrahim Waheed, Jinaa: Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun (2009), which itself is a prequel to the story Fathishandhuvaru (1996) written by himself which was later adapted to a film by the same name in 1997.[13] The film was marketed as being the first 3D release for a Maldivian film and the first release derived from a spin-off.[14][15] Upon release the film received generally negative reviews from critics.[16] Ahmed Nadheem from Haveeru Daily criticized the screenplay for the lack of "amusement" and the "abrupt rush" in the story-line with "flaws in the script". He concluded the review by praising the efforts put into the visual effects and addressing the "dislike of the film in comparison to Fathis Handhuvaru".[16] Fathimath Zaina from Vnews echoed similar sentiments and mentioned: "It brings a good opportunity for Maldivians to experience a Dhivehi film in 3D, however it is a disappointment as a film overall. It does not bring justice to the genre it represents and so does the same to the story it's based on".[15] Despite the negative reviews, at the 7th Gaumee Film Awards he was nominated in the Best Director award category.[17]

Shhifau's next release was the romantic film Emme Fahu Vindha Jehendhen (2015) starring Mohamed Jumayyil and Mariyam Majudha.[18] The film was declared as the highest grossing Maldivian film of the year, and was also a critical success.[19][20] The collaboration was repeated with his next release, the romantic comedy Vaashey Mashaa Ekee (2016).[21] His work was positively mentioned in the reviews, Ahmed Nadheem from Avas called it a "masterful creation by Shifau" and wrote: "Till this point, it was perceived that Shifau's talent was vanished with Heylaa, since all the films post his debut direction, his work is average at best".[22] The film emerged as one of the highest-grossing films of the year.[23] The film fetched him his first Gaumee Film Award for Best Director and Best Editor.[24]

The following year, he released another romantic comedy film Mee Loaybakee (2017) starring Mohamed Jumayyil alongside Mariyam Azza.[25] The film emerged as one of the highest grossing Maldivian films of 2017.[26][27] This was followed by a family drama Vakin Loabin (2018), marking his fourth collaboration with Mohamed Jumayyil and his third collaboration with Mariyam Majudha.[28] The film tells a story of a young couple's divorce and its impact on everyone involved.[29] Upon release, the film met with a positive response from critics—specifically praising the screenplay for toning down its melodrama and breaking from the stereotypes of its genre—and was a commercial success.[30] In a pre-premier review from Raajje.mv, Ismail Naail Nasheed favored the character development and minimised use of melodrama in the film while praising Shifau's direction.[30]

Later during the year, first Maldivian anthology film was released which credited Shifau as the director of the segment titled Foshi which focuses on the impact on a couple's life due to the home use of an abortion drug.[31] The project was filmed in 2013 and digitally released six years later due to several delays in post-production, where the producer of the film criticizes Farooq for "failing" to complete his segment during the stipulated time period took over the post-production.[32]

Filmography

[edit]

Feature film

[edit]
Year Title Director Editor Camera Ref(s)
2006 Heylaa Yes Yes Yes [6]
2009 Happy Birthday Yes [8]
2010 Dhin Veynuge Hithaamaigaa Yes Yes Yes [11]
2011 Zaharu Yes Yes Yes [12]
2013 Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun 3D Yes Yes [16]
2013 Dhilakani Yes [33]
2014 Hulhudhaan Yes [34]
2015 Emme Fahu Vindha Jehendhen Yes Yes Yes [20]
2015 Mikoe Bappa Baey Baey Yes [35]
2016 Vaashey Mashaa Ekee Yes Yes Yes [22]
2017 Mee Loaybakee Yes Yes Yes [25]
2018 Vakin Loabin Yes Yes Yes [30]
2019 Maamui Yes Yes Yes [36]
2023 Hindhukolheh Yes Yes Yes [37]
2023 November Yes [38]
2024 Fureytha Yes Yes [39]

Television and short films

[edit]
Year Title Director Editor Camera Notes Ref(s)
2006 Dhafaraa Yes [31]
2007 Reyfanaa Yes Yes Yes [31]
2007 Badi Edhuru Yes Yes Short film [40]
2008 Ummeedh Yes Yes Short film [41]
2008 Inthihaa Yes [31]
2008 Yaasmeen Yes [31]
2008 FB! Yes [31]
2008 Asarugaa Yes Yes [31]
2009 Silsilaa Yes Yes [31]
2011 Naamaan Yes Yes [31]
2012 Voodoo Yes Yes Yes Short film
2014 Kashfu Yes Short film
2019 Hatharu Halha Yes The segment Foshi [31]
2020 Dhauvathu Yes Yes Yes Short film [42]
2020 Anguru Yes Yes Yes Short film [43]
2021 Rumi á Jannat Yes Yes Yes Web series; 15 episodes [44]
2021 Giritee Loabi Yes Yes Yes Web series; 20 episodes [45]
2022 Dark Rain Chronicles Yes Yes Yes Web series; 6 episodes [46]

Accolades

[edit]
Year Award Category Nominated work Result Ref(s)
2008 5th Gaumee Film Awards Best Story Heylaa Won [7]
Best Cinematography Heylaa Won [7]
Best Art Direction Heylaa (Shared with Ali Shifau) Won [7]
2011 1st Maldives Film Awards Best Editing Happy Birthday Won [47]
Best Art Direction Happy Birthday (Shared with Moomin Fuad) Won [47]
Best Sound Editing Happy Birthday Won [47]
Best Sound Mixing Happy Birthday (Shared with Moomin Fuad) Won [47]
2014 3rd Maldives Film Awards Best Editing Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun 3D Nominated [48]
Best Art Direction Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun 3D (Shared with Mohamed Ali) Nominated [48]
Best Sound Editing Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun 3D Nominated [48]
Best Sound Mixing Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun 3D Nominated [48]
Best Editing - Short film Voodoo Nominated [48]
2015 6th Gaumee Film Awards Best Editing Happy Birthday Won [10]
Best Cinematography Dhin Veynuge Hithaamaigaa Nominated [49]
Best Art Direction Happy Birthday (Shared with Moomin Fuad, Mohamed Ali) Nominated [49]
Dhin Veynuge Hithaamaigaa (Shared with Mohamed Ali) Nominated [49]
2016 7th Gaumee Film Awards Best Director Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun 3D Nominated [17]
Best Editing Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun 3D Nominated [17]
Best Sound Editing Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun 3D Nominated [17]
Best Sound Mixing Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun 3D Nominated [17]
Best Art Direction Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun 3D (Shared with Mohamed Ali) Nominated [17]
2017 8th Gaumee Film Awards Best Director Vaashey Mashaa Ekee Won [50]
Emme Fahu Vindha Jehendhen Nominated [51]
Best Director - Short film Voodoo Won [51]
Kashfu Nominated [51]
Best Editing Vaashey Mashaa Ekee Won [50]
Emme Fahu Vindha Jehendhen Nominated [51]
Best Editing - Short film Voodoo Won [51]
Kashfu (Shared with Ahmed Shakir) Nominated [51]
Best Cinematography Hulhudhaan (Shared with Ahmed Sinan) Nominated [51]
Vaashey Mashaa Ekee (Shared with Ahmed Sinan) Nominated [51]
Emme Fahu Vindha Jehendhen (Shared with Ahmed Sinan) Nominated [51]
Mikoe Bappa Baey Baey Nominated [51]
Voodoo Won [51]
Kashfu Nominated [51]
Best Sound Editing Vaashey Mashaa Ekee Nominated [51]
Emme Fahu Vindha Jehendhen (Shared with Mohamed Ikram) Nominated [51]
Best Art Direction Vaashey Mashaa Ekee (Shared with Mohamed Ali) Won [50]
Emme Fahu Vindha Jehendhen (Shared with Mohamed Ali) Nominated [51]
Mikoe Bappa Baey Baey (Shared with Mohamed Ali, Ravee Farooq) Nominated [51]
2018 National Award of Recognition Performing Arts - Film direction Won [52]
2019 9th Gaumee Film Awards Best Director Vakin Loabin Nominated [53]
Best Art Direction Vakin Loabin (Shared with Mohamed Ali and Aishath Fuad Thaufeeq) Nominated [53]
Best Sound Design Vakin Loabin Nominated [53]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Maaha, Aishath (21 October 2018). "Fuad regrets his involvement in Happy Birthday". Dho? (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 17 January 2019. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
  2. ^ a b Adhushan, Ahmed (14 September 2017). "11 years anniversary for DRE; what did they achieve?". Dho (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 5 October 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  3. ^ "Gaumee Inaam 2018 - Ali Shifau". Presidency Maldives (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 17 January 2019. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  4. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (4 July 2011). "Moomin not satisfied even after 12 Awards". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 16 December 2018. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
  5. ^ Luba, Aminath (8 August 2018). "Chippe with new hopes after receiving National Award". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 17 January 2019. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
  6. ^ a b Nadheem, Ahmed (29 March 2012). "Heylaa: An awakening film from a drowsed industry". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 17 January 2019. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
  7. ^ a b c d Ahmed, Fazeena (13 April 2008). "Winners of 5th Gaumee Film Awards". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 21 December 2018. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
  8. ^ a b c d e f Hassan, Nazim (29 June 2015). "The love for cinema from Moger". Vaguthu (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 15 June 2016. Retrieved 22 September 2018.
  9. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (2 September 2016). "Fuad regrets his involvement in Happy Birthay". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 16 December 2018. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
  10. ^ a b Saeed, Fathimath (23 October 2015). "Majority of the awards for "Niuma", "Happy Birthday" announced as best film". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 24 October 2015. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  11. ^ a b c Naseer, Ismail (18 February 2010). "Dhin Veynuge Hithaamaigaa to release on April 5". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 21 February 2010. Retrieved 22 September 2018.
  12. ^ a b c d Adhushan, Ahmed (14 September 2017). "11 years anniversary for DRE; what did they achieve?". Dho (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 5 October 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  13. ^ Faisal, Ibrahim (5 January 2013). ""Fathishandhuvaruge Feshun": Most awaited release of the year". Addu Live (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  14. ^ Nadheem, Ahmed (7 November 2012). "Premier of "Fathishandhuvaruge Feshun" postponed again". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  15. ^ a b Zaina, Fathimath (18 April 2013). ""Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun" is a disappointment". Vnews (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  16. ^ a b c Nadheem, Ahmed (17 April 2013). ""Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun" review". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  17. ^ a b c d e f Adhushan, Ahmed (16 December 2016). "Nominations for 7th Gaumee Film Awards Announced". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  18. ^ Naail, Ismail (7 April 2015). ""Emme Fahu Vindhaa Jehendhen": A big success with repeat audience" (in Divehi). Vaguthu. Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  19. ^ Naail, Ismail (10 April 2015). "Unlimited compliments for "Emme Fahu Vindhaa Jehendhen"" (in Divehi). Vaguthu. Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  20. ^ a b Naail, Ismail (5 April 2015). "Pre-premiere Review: "Emme Fahu Vindhaa Jehendhen" A new benchmark to romantic films" (in Divehi). Vaguthu. Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  21. ^ Nadheem, Ahmed (8 January 2016). "A new Film, A new Lover, A new Jumayyil" (in Divehi). Avas. Archived from the original on 9 June 2016. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  22. ^ a b Nasheem, Ahmed (6 April 2016). "Vaashey Mashaa Ekee: Unlimited praise" (in Divehi). Avas. Archived from the original on 6 June 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  23. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (3 June 2016). "Upcoming releases of the year" (in Divehi). Mihaaru. Archived from the original on 6 June 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  24. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (20 December 2017). ""Vaashey Mashaa Ekee" wins majority awards". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  25. ^ a b Adhushan, Ahmed (4 April 2017). "Dark Rain's Mee Laoybakee premiering tonight". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  26. ^ Maaha, Aishath (6 August 2017). ""Naughty 40": A mixture of all tastes". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 27 March 2018. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  27. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (31 December 2017). "2017: Is it a successful year for the film industry?". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  28. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (9 August 2017). "Shooting of "Vakin Loabin" commenced". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Retrieved 12 September 2018.
  29. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (6 November 2017). "Shooting of "Vakin Loabin" completed". Mihaaru (in Divehi).
  30. ^ a b c Nasheed, Ismail Naail (4 March 2018). "Pre-premiere review of Vakin Loabin: A break apart from a genre of melodrama; A must watch". Raajje.mv (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 18 September 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  31. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Adhushan, Ahmed (29 September 2020). "After a six years' gap, Hatharu Halha to release in Baiskoafu". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 10 September 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  32. ^ Nadheem, Ahmed (4 March 2016). "Ravee on Hot seat in Hatharu Halha project". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 11 September 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  33. ^ Nadheem, Ahmed (10 January 2013). ""Dhilakani" is originated from "Sazaa"'s experience". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 13 June 2013. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  34. ^ Nadheem, Ahmed (25 December 2014). "First and last show of "Hulhudhaan" to be screened tonight". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 28 March 2018. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  35. ^ "Ticket sales kick-off for "Mikoe Bappa Bae Bae"". Vaguthu. 9 August 2015. Archived from the original on 14 June 2016. Retrieved 14 June 2016.
  36. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (11 April 2018). "Maamui's shooting to commences post Ramazan". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
  37. ^ Lubaa, Aminath (10 January 2023). "Trailer of DRE's "Hindhukolheh" is impressive". The Press (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 18 February 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2022.
  38. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (22 July 2019). "Maju and Jumayyil return with another DRE project". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 3 October 2020. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  39. ^ Luba, Amintah (5 March 2024). "Fureytha premiered; endless love for the film". ThePress (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 8 March 2024. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  40. ^ Rasheed, Ahmed (30 October 2019). "Badi Edhuru to Baiskoafu". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 8 March 2021. Retrieved 8 March 2021.
  41. ^ Jaishan, Ahmed (22 October 2019). "Short Film "Ummeedh" available for streaming on Baiskoafu". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 28 April 2021. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  42. ^ Rasheed, Ahmed (7 October 2020). "Dark Rain Short's Anguru to release on 14 October". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  43. ^ Rasheed, Ahmed (7 October 2020). "Dark Rain Short's Anguru to release on 14 October". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  44. ^ Luba, Aminath (1 January 2020). "Rumi a Jannat: A modern comedy". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  45. ^ Rasheed, Ahmed (6 December 2021). ""Giritee Loabi" to release on 7 December". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  46. ^ "Dark Rain Chronicles coming to Baiskoafu". Hurihaa (in Divehi). 23 August 2022. Archived from the original on 22 February 2023. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
  47. ^ a b c d "Feature Film Nominations Announced". Maldives Film Awards (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  48. ^ a b c d e Nadheem, Ahmed (29 April 2014). "Maldives Film Awards Nominations out". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 5 April 2015. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  49. ^ a b c Nadheem, Ahmed (23 October 2015). "Yoope crowned Best Actor, Niuma received Best Actress, and Happy Birthday as the Best Film". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 24 September 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  50. ^ a b c Adhushan, Ahmed (20 December 2017). ""Vaashey Mashaa Ekee" wins majority awards". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  51. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Adhushan, Ahmed (12 December 2017). "8th Gaumee Film Awards: Dark Rain leads nomination". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  52. ^ "National Award of Recognition 2018 - Ali Shifau". Presidency Maldives (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 26 April 2019. Retrieved 23 April 2019.
  53. ^ a b c Adhushan, Ahmed (9 November 2019). "Nominations for 9th Dhivehi Film Awards". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 24 August 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
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Ali Shifau at IMDb

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