Abu Dhabi - An array of celebrities and about 130 films from 35 countries are to be seen at the second edition of the Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF), to be launched Friday in the United Arab Emirates.

Antonio Banderas and his wife - actress Melanie Griffith - will arrive for the red carpet, while "The Pianist" star and Academy Award winner Adrien Brody, will attend the an exclusive screening of his new crime comedy "The Brothers Bloom", which will officially open the festival.

Actor Ben Kingsley will attend the first Arabic-dubbed screening of Richard Attenborough's Academy Award-winning movie "Ghandi". Egyptian actresses Yousra and Elham Shaheen and Lebanese actor Duraid Lahham will be among the attendees.

"Despite the fact that we are only two years old, MEIFF has managed to establish an excellent reputation among similar events worldwide," said Vice Chairman of MEIFF Mohamed Khalaf al-Mazrouei.

"We believe this year's festival differentiates itself from others with its unique programme of film initiatives, aimed at establishing the nation's capital as a centre of excellence for film-making and development," al-Mazrouei added.

New sections have been introduced besides last year's programmes. Several sections such as the Palestinian retrospective by non-Arab directors, a dedicated environmental programme, and a focus on arab women directors will be part of this year's MEIFF.

Nashwa al-Ruwaini, Director of MEIFF said that another section is the 'Festival of Festivals' that will feature 24 of the best films on this year's festival circuit that have been chosen for MEIFF audiences.

Renowned actress and activist Jane Fonda will be receiving the Black Pearl Award for her achievements in film over the last five decades, while Egyptian actor and UN goodwill ambassador Adel Imam is to receive his Variety Achievement in Film Award, presented in conjunction by MEIFF and the USA's Variety magazine, at the closing ceremony on October 19.

The MEIFF, organized by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, is part of Abu Dhabi's attempts to become an important player in the global film industry. (dpa)