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FACT Chats: Luc Besson on directing, dining and Dubai

FACT Chats: Luc Besson on directing, dining and Dubai

FACT30-01-2025

A Luc Besson action hero hits differently. The award-winning French film director is famous for his brazen characters, from secret agents to strong female leads – a 12-year-old girl looking to avenge her dead parents, anyone? Now, he is set to release his latest film, Dracula: A Love Tale . FACT met Luc at the Megacampus Summit Dubai, and he talked to us about directing, dining and Dubai.
Born in Paris, France, Luc's parents were scuba divers and he spent his childhood travelling to resorts. He visited Italy, Greece and Yugoslavia, and planned to become a marine biologist. After an accident, he switched his fins for films.
In 1983, Luc Besson released his directorial debut, Le Dernier Combat . His filmography includes La Femme Nikita, The Big Blue, The Fifth Element and Leon: The Professional. He has worked with Gary Oldman, Milla Jovovich and Natalie Portman, and won accolades ranging from the Cesar Award to Lumieres Award. Now, Dracula: A Love Tale stars Caleb Landry Jones, Matilda De Angelis and Christopher Waltz. Set in London, it tells the story of a 15th-century prince who becomes a vampire.
Following a career spanning five decades, Luc Besson reflects: 'I've absorbed films from all cultures: American, French, Japanese and Italian. It's pop culture. Was I raised on Truffaut and Godard? No. I didn't have a TV until I was 16 years old, and I started going to the cinema at 17 years old. I had no references. When I made my first film at 19 or 20 years old, a journalist referenced three films, which were supposedly the inspiration. I hadn't seen any of them. I had to buy a DVD player, and watch the films.'
Luc has created films in English and French, and worked in Hollywood and France. He bridges the gap between the American action genre and French auteurs. Over his career, films have gone from cinema to streaming. He laments: 'It saddens me but it's understandable. The turning point was Covid-19. People consumed fast food entertainment, and convincing them to return to MICHELIN-Starred experiences became challenging.
'There is no disrespect to these platforms, which I respect, but we spend more time scrolling for something to watch than actually watching. The quality of most shows is just not good. I go to fast food places with my kids, but I also go to three-star restaurants. It's not the same symphony. The difference between cinemas and streaming platforms is like the difference between a symphony and a pop song. It's up to artists to create films worthy of the cinematic experience. That's where the problem lies: artists aren't allowed to create'.
Luc Besson is one for looking ahead rather than to the past. So, what does the future hold for him and his career? He explains: 'I prefer to write the future rather than rewrite the past. When I see cancel culture, the toppling of statues and rewriting history, people would be better off creating the future. It shows a lack of power and ambition in certain generations who prefer to destroy the past rather than build a future. Picasso didn't criticise Raphael or Dali – he just created what he wanted to create. There's always something suspicious about criticising and dismantling the past; it often signals an inability to invent the future.'
Luc has been visiting the UAE for years, and admires its growth. He laughs: 'The first time I visited, there were far fewer skyscrapers. What I appreciate here is how the seemingly endless financial resources are used to ensure quality, whether it's in architecture, dining, museums or hotels.'
'What's great about today's interconnected world is that we can travel anywhere for €240, thanks to low-cost airlines. There's an incredible intergenerational and cross-cultural interaction. You can be in Rome wearing a Peruvian hat, eating sushi and listening to Bob Marley. This will create entirely new characters. Young French people are obsessed with South Korean dramas, and young South Koreans are equally passionate about French films. It's a beautiful cycle.'
Here's looking at Luc's next generation of characters.
GO: Follow @luc_besson_official on Instagram for more information.

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These are the best restaurants on Yas Island
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timea day ago

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Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, @buathaicafe (02 575 3158). Mika Credit: Mika Middle Eastern meets Mediterranean cuisine at this breezy Yas Marina hotspot, which has perhaps our favourite terrace on the island. Casual yet contemporary with a menu that celebrates bold flavours, the food here aims to please with the likes of cod croquettes, pan-fried prawns, lamb and tuna tacos, octopus and calamari. Head chef Mario Loi is also passionate about sustainability – he grows herbs and vegetables for his dishes in the chef's garden next to the main restaurant – which is also evident in his zero-waste policy. Licensed. Yas Marina, Yas Island (056 433 1422). Nuri Credit: NURI Grill & Bar Perhaps the finest Korean restaurant in town for you to salivate over, Nuri is a sizzling Korean steakhouse that offers prime cuts of meat, chic interiors, a stylish bar and even karaoke rooms where you can sing to your heart's content after a few mixed drinks. 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Yas Bay Waterfront, @barbossa_auh (050 185 8068). Crafty Fox There are many reasons to raise a glass to Crafty Fox. Not only does this Dubai import boast a bespoke beverage menu with plenty of new and old-world grape labels, draft hops and signature mixed drinks, but you can also tuck into Irish comfort food at its finest, with classics like the cottage pie, fish and chips and loaded flatbreads all gracing the menu. And did we mention those amazing 360-degree views of the putting green? With plenty of big screens, it's also a great place to watch the footie, which begs the question – is there anything this place can't do? Licensed. Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, @‌ (02 404 3081). Garage Abu Dhabi's premier party brunch, put on your swishiest dress and head over to the W Abu Dhabi for its award-winning B.I.G Brunch at Garage, which is all about stylish patrons, free-flowing drinks and incredible tunes. Oh, and of course, there's some food thrown in for good measure, with five culinary hubs serving food from around the world, including a mezze spread, exciting Asian flavours, and premium meat cuts from the Vault. This is a brunch that's also about the vibes though, so expect DJs pumping out all your favourite tunes. This weekend is all about F1 though so unless you have a reservation, you'll have to bookmark for another time. Licensed. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, (02 656 0000). Maxzi The Good Food Shop If you only order one thing at Maxzi The Good Food Shop, make sure it's the bona fide, utterly brilliant maxzimum meat lover burger with a Wagyu patty, slow-cooked brisket, and crispy beef bacon. While it might not be solely a burger joint, this place does some of the best in the business, with an assortment of starchy sides that make for the perfect complement. What more could you ask for? Unlicensed. Yas Mall, (056 996 6540). Mr Kim Credit: Mr Kim The perfect spot to grab something delicious before a show at Etihad Arena or after an action-packed day at Yas Island's many theme parks, Mr Kim is Yas Mall's first fully licensed restaurant, so it's already off to a great start. This very cool Korean restaurant, founded by Emirati entrepreneur Mohamed Juma Al Bawardi Alfalasi, brings innovative foodie fusions to a fun, industrial-chic setting. Specialising in steak, it's a bit of a no-brainer why this is such a popular dining spot with its selection of fine Wagyu cuts – from the impeccable Japanese A5, Australian MB9+ to the robust USDA prime. Licensed. Yas Mall, @ (052 443 9314). Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar Overlooking the twinkling waters of Yas Bay, this swanky rooftop bar is one of the best places to head for drinks and bar bites with a cool crowd and fantastic views. Part of the Trilogy by Buddha-Bar, bar snacks here err on the fancy side, with sushi, ceviche and maki taking pride of place on the Mediterranean-Asian fusion menu, and taste even better against unobstructed views of Abu Dhabi's sunsets. Arrive early and stay late for when the party really kicks in. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, (050 601 1194). Soraya From the creators of London's top dining spots like Pachamama comes Soraya, a Persian-inspired restaurant that's located at Yas Mall. Here, you can try incredible high-end Persian dishes like juicy skewers of marinated meats and vegetables that'll whisk you away to the vibrant streets of Tehran. Soraya's all-day menu is made for communal feasting, so head down with the whole gang and enjoy dishes that blend traditional home-cooked flavours with an undeniably cool modern twist. Mall Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, (056 509 0504). Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards 2025 – Shortlisted Acres Grill House, Yas Acres Amerigos Mexican Bar & Restaurant, Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Boo Burger, Yas Mall Bushra by Buddha-Bar, Yas Bay Waterfront Daikan Izakaya, Yas Bay Waterfront EL&N London, Yas Bay Waterfront Hanar, Yas Bay Waterfront Hunter & Barrel, Yas Bay Waterfront Maria Bonita Taco Shop & Grill, Yas Mall McCafferty's, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Neighborhood Café and Bar, Yas Creative Hub Osmo Lounge & Bar, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Pappas Taverna, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island Paradiso, Yas Bay Waterfront Rangoli, Yas Island Rotana Reach, Yas Island SLRP Ramen, Yas Mall Zeera by Buddha-Bar, Yas Bay Waterfront You might also like… The Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards shortlist revealed – in full All the top places in one read Inside the Time Out Abu Dhabi review process Everything you need to know Everything you need to know about the best restaurants in the city Prepare to be hungry

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