Prof.Dr. Parin Somani with her Daughter Nurbanu
Dubai, UAE – July 30, 2025 – Celebrated humanitarian and education icon Prof. Dr. Parin Somani and her daughter, visionary filmmaker Nurbanu Somani, captivated audiences at the prestigious Global Encounters Festival in Dubai this week with two thought-provoking films showcased under the Jubilee Arts programme.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and inaugurated by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the international event brought together over 4,000 youth artists and athletes from 22 countries, making it a global celebration of unity, creativity, and coexistence.
A Legacy Captured in 90 Seconds
In the Reel Film category, Prof. Dr. Parin Somani paid homage to one of the most revered humanitarians of our time with a 90-second cinematic tribute to Mother Teresa. The film, a stirring reflection on legacy and selfless service, weaves together powerful visuals and Dr. Somani’s profound narrative voice to inspire compassion and purpose. Known for her tireless work in education, empowerment, and global outreach, Dr. Somani channels her admiration for Mother Teresa into a moving microfilm that lingers long after viewing.
“Mother Teresa taught us that true service transcends boundaries. I aimed to honour that spirit in just 90 seconds—because sometimes, a moment is all it takes to ignite change,” said Prof. Dr. Parin Somani.
Nurbanu Somani’s Kaleidoscopic Vision of the Earth
In a separate category, Nurbanu Somani, an emerging filmmaker and academic, stunned the audience with a kaleidoscopic abstract film exploring the cycles of beauty, destruction, and regeneration of the planet. Her work, bold and meditative, used vivid symbolism and cinematic layering to offer a poetic yet urgent message about environmental fragility and resilience.
The film’s unique structure allowed viewers to interpret the Earth’s condition as both a warning and a call to responsibility—merging artistic freedom with ecological awareness.
“The planet is a living canvas. I wanted to explore what happens when that canvas is burned, torn, and then reborn. It’s a metaphor for how we treat not only the Earth but also ourselves,” said Nurbanu Somani.
Global Platform, Personal Impact
The Global Encounters Festival, hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre, is one of the largest events of its kind, combining sport, art, and global citizenship. This year’s theme focused on unity, environmental consciousness, and youth leadership, aligning perfectly with the Somani duo’s powerful messages.
Beyond the films, the festival included:
• Jubilee Games with 18 global sports
• Art installations and workshops
• Performances from international artists including Shreya Ghoshal and Salim–Sulaiman
• The Roots for Change initiative, promoting sustainability and tree planting
About Prof. Dr. Parin Somani
A globally recognised academic, author, and humanitarian, Prof. Dr. Parin Somani is the founder of the London Organisation of Skills Development (LOSD). She has been honoured with multiple international awards and doctorates for her work in education, leadership, and social change.
About Nurbanu Somani
Nurbanu Somani is a rising filmmaker and researcher whose work blends visual storytelling with philosophical exploration. With a background in psychology and sensory well-being, she brings a unique lens to topics of identity, environment, and transformation.
A Shared Legacy of Vision and Voice
Their participation at the Global Encounters Festival marks not only a professional milestone but also a profound personal moment—a mother and daughter using the power of film to spark conversation and inspire collective action.
“It’s rare and beautiful to share a global platform with your child—each of us telling different stories, yet driven by the same purpose: to serve, to awaken, and to uplift,” said Prof. Dr. Parin Somani
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