MUMBAI: The third edition of Gulf Film Festival (GFF) will honour three legends with lifetime achievement awards.

Emirati actress Raziqa Al Taresh, Iraqi actor and playwright Khalil Shawki and Kuwait‘s actress Hayat Al Fahad will receive the honours when the festival opens on 8 April.

The three-some join the league of Kuwaiti director and producer Khalid Al-Siddiq, renowned UAE writer Abdel-Rahman Saleh and veteran Bahraini filmmaker Khalifa Shaheen, who were honoured by the GFF last year.

Said GFF Festival Director Masoud Amralla Al Ali, "The emergence of a powerful television and film industry in the Gulf region owes to the contribution of immensely talented and creative individuals who braved odds to pursue their passion. Raziqa Al Taresh, Khalil Shawki and Hayat Al Fahad have all blazed a trail in their own right, and in doing so, serve as an inspiration for young film talent."

"These distinguished artists have devoted their careers to enhancing the Arab film industry. They set in stone the foundation for Arab talent and paved the way for regional and global recognition for Arab cinema. Dubai and the Gulf Film Festival are privileged to honour them, "Al Ali added.

The Gulf Film Festival is supported by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and held in association with Dubai Studio City.