The eleventh edition of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) got off to a glamorous start last night at the Madinat Jumeirah with a red carpet opening gala screening The Theory of Everything from Academy Award-winning director James Marsh.

 The Theory of Everything is a thought-provoking film starring Eddie Redmayne as extraordinary physicist Stephen Hawking and Felicity Jones as Jane Wilde, his love and fellow student.

The prestigious DIFF Lifetime Achievement Award was presented during the opening night to legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle for her decades of dedication to Indian cinema. On receipt of the Award, Asha treated the audience to an impromptu performance of her most memorable renditions.

To rousing applause acclaimed Egyptian actor Nour El-Sherif was also presented with the DIFF Lifetime Achievement Award for his work on over 100 films, in a career thats spanned nearly five decades.

The DIFF box office is open online on at www.dubaifilmfest.com. Additional information is also available through the Festivals dedicated customer care number, 363 FILM (3456).