Past Events

This conversation will explore the storytelling culture of the UAE and how it is translating into a growing and diversified film and media industry. As our guests discuss building a film and media context that is culturally organic, the conversation will engage participants on the question of how film is growing in importance as a medium for expressing Emirati culture, as well as the question of how the arts more broadly impact society.

Image Nation is the leading force behind the development of the film industry in Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates, fostering local creativity and nurturing filmmaking talent.

Image Nation is also breaking barriers through international partnerships on films such as Oscar-winner The Help. The filmmakers joining Image Nation CEO Michael Garin are Nawaf Al Janahi, whose film Sea Shadow has been making the international film festival rounds this year, including the Palm Springs International Film Festival; and Abdulla Al Kaabi, whose short film The Philosopher is a film adaptation of Baggio's Story by Charlie Fish.

This event is by invitation only.

Watch video from the event.

Perspectives from American Enterprise Institute Scholars

Scholars and Fellows from the American Enterprise Institute offer their perspectives on timely national issues including the economy, the case for free enterprise, relations with Afghanistan, and the political landscape.

The Manufacturing and Society in the 21st Century Program is hosting a seminar for CEOs and Board members of manufacturing firms on "Policy Priorities for Manufacturing in the 21st Century" at the Aspen Meadows campus, August 15-17, 2012. Participation is limited to 30 people for the discussion-oriented seminar, and is by invitation only.

Featuring Douglas Brinkley, author, historian, and professor at Rice University. Brinkley is the author of the recently published Walter Cronkite biography Cronkite. Moderated by Walter Isaacson.

If you’ve never heard of Rodriguez, you’re not alone. A critically acclaimed 70’s-era Detroit-based singer-songwriter, Rodriguez seemed on his way to achieving rock star status with his distinctive voice and lyrics earning him the nickname “Sugar Man.” But when the sales of his potential breakout album bombed, this elusive artist, touted as the next Bob Dylan, drifted into obscurity in the US, accompanied by mysterious rumors of a tragic death. However, in South Africa under apartheid, a bootleg copy of his album spawned a huge underground following. With his antiestablishment lyrics gaining a generation of obsessively loyal listeners, “He was bigger than Elvis.” When two fans set off on a search to unravel the mystery of “Sugar Man’s” fate, they encounter a wild chain of events full of unexpected delights. Part gripping detective story, part uplifting portrait of an original talent, this Sundance Audience Award winner is a engaging story of hope and the universal power music holds to bring people together. (Sweden, 2012, 86m).

Q&A with Emily Verellen, Fledgling Fund, on documentary's role in engaging audiences and creating Social Change.

Jon Huntsman served as the 16th governor of Utah, and US Ambassador to China. He served in the administrations of four US presidents and was a candidate for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination. Governor Huntsman currently serves on the board of Ford Motor Company, Caterpillar Corporation, The U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, The University of Pennsylvania, and as a distinguished fellow at the Brookings Institute. In addition he serves as the Chairman of The Huntsman Cancer Foundation.

For almost 60 years, this premier roundtable has challenged leaders in every field to think more critically and deeply. The seminar is a unique opportunity to step away from the demands of the present and reflect with other leaders in moderated, text-based Socratic dialogue on the concept of a good and just society: What is it? How does it become a reality?