Dubai-UAE: The Shadow, a horror film directed by Nayla Al Khaja, the Emirati female filmmaker and producer, and produced by Epic Films and Señorita Films, will begin principal photography in Dubai with the support of the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC).
The horror film, The Shadow, is the teaser version of an extended feature set to be filmed in the upcoming months. Starring locally based actors and using the Emirati dialect, the story of a sick nine-year-old in the grip of uncontrolled phenomena – and the desperate measures his mother takes behind closed doors to save his life – is based on actual events that Al Khaja experienced herself.
To ensure a seamless filming and production experience, DFTC worked closely with the director to fast-track the process and obtain all necessary filming permits.
A DFTC spokesperson, said: “We are proud to contribute to this project and support talented local directors such as Nayla. DFTC is committed to offering services that help Emirati filmmakers achieve their goals and propel them onto the international stage, in line with the objectives of Dubai Plan 2021 that aims at cementing Dubai’s positon as a hub for creative and empowered people”.
Famous for tackling thought-provoking topics and filming tense narratives without compromising on her artistic integrity, audacious director Al Khaja, who aspires to become a thriller/horror Emirati film director, has reached a level of maturity and experience in her career that allows her to achieve her lifelong ambition.
She said: “Worldwide, only five per cent of women directors specialise in this genre. I’m genuinely hoping to inspire more women in the region to follow my lead and venture into filming difficult topics based on more hard-hitting narratives. The UAE lacks female feature film directors of a certain calibre, and it’s about time we see a change in this category.”
“I’m incredibly excited to be telling this story and extremely thankful for all the support we have received from those who participated in the real events, continues Nayla Al Khaja. The project came to life thanks to the unconditional support of Sultan, Darmaki and Hassan Al Khaja; the Dubai Film and TV Commission; Filmquip Media, who are supplying the equipment; and, ARRI, the international leading designer and manufacturer of camera and lighting systems, that will be shipping their latest signature prime lenses for the shoot and will take care of the ‘behind the scenes’ footage. This will be the first time that their new lenses are used in the Middle East.”
Robbie McAree, Executive Producer and Founding Partner of Epic Films, describes the film as “a unique approach to the genre, implementing a production model that will set new standards for the local independent film industry. We encourage local and international investors, and cinema enthusiasts in general, to get involved in future movie projects in the UAE. Our production value is undoubtedly reaching the calibre of international productions, and we pride ourselves on utilising as many locally based movie professionals as possible. The bottom line is to showcase local talent and highlight the huge potential of the UAE’s film industry. The Shadow is a teaser that, hopefully, will help raise funds for the feature film and create employment opportunities for local screen workers.”
Featuring acclaimed director of photography Mik Allen, The Shadow’s crew will shoot across several locations in Dubai during the month of June, with an expected public release of the film at a launch event in Dubai in September 2019 with the support of VOX Cinemas.
McAree added: “From talented crews to diverse locations, Dubai has been steadily building its reputation as a regional film industry leader and a destination of choice for local and international productions.”
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About Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC)
The Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) strives to establish Dubai and the UAE as the premier filming destination for local and around the globe productions. It assists productions in Dubai by serving as a one-stop shop for producers, crews and filmmakers to ensure that filming in Dubai is as easy and efficient as possible. It promotes productions across a range of mediums, including film, television, corporate videos, advertisements, online content and other new media.
About Nayla Al Khaja
Nayla Al Khaja is an iconic award-winning Emirati film director, screenwriter and producer, CEO of Nayla Al Khaja Films, and founder of The Scene, Dubai’s first film club. Over the years, her dedication to developing the UAE’s film industry and her advocacy for women in cinema helped her reputation of a trustworthy professional grow. Nayla wrote and directed several films, all presented and awarded at various international film festivals. Actively supporting and mentoring local talent, she is a role model in terms of cinema promotion and women’s empowerment in the Middle East. Nayla’s accolades include being ranked among the Top 50 Most Powerful Personalities in Arab Cinema and 100 Most Powerful Arabs under 40 by Arabian Business magazine. In addition, she has won the Visionary of the Year category at the Arabian Business Awards and has been official Brand Ambassador for Canon Middle East since 2011. Nayla’s exploits have also earned her the title of Emirates Woman of the Year and The Youngest Entrepreneur of the Year at the Global Women Leaders Conference Awards.
About Epic Films
Since its inception in 2012, Epic Films has been committed to producing high-quality, powerful, award-winning and cost-effective films while identifying and empowering visionary storytellers from the region and beyond, bringing their stories to life. Headed by Irish managing partners and producers Robbie McAree and David Murphy, who have over 30 years of collective experience in the film industry to their credit, Epic Films encourages international film production companies to shoot in the UAE. In addition to producing films for local clients from start to finish, they specialise in film production servicing and facilitation. With meticulous attention to detail and absolute dedication to each and every project, as well as the invaluable input of the most talented individuals, they ensure accomplished and powerful final delivery. Their team of devoted professionals believes in offering world-class standards at competitive prices. www.epicfilms.me
For set visits, interviews, sales, distribution and any media enquiries, please contact Len Lebarich at 052 663 2526.
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