Emirati director Zainab Shaheen (left) at the screening of Mountain Boy at Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai on August 19, 2025. SUPPLIED

Behind the powerful Emirati film Mountain Boy lies a story of artistic determination, cultural pride, and creative collaboration. At a special talk during the movie’s special screening at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library on Tuesday (August 19), director Zainab Shaheen and lead actor Nasser Al Messabi opened up about the journey of bringing the film to life. Shaheen explained that one of her main goals was to showcase the UAE’s authentic nature, customs, and traditions to international audiences. But recreating the UAE’s 1950s setting was no easy task. “Finding locations devoid of modern life, such as electricity poles and cars, posed a significant challenge given the different time period in which the film’s events take place,” Shaheen said. Being from Fujairah, she was able to identify natural landscapes that reflected the spirit of the story. Filming spanned 35 days, during which she developed a strong artistic bond with Al Messabi. “He was extremely responsive, which allowed him to deliver a sincere and touching performance as Suhail,” Shaheen added. For Al Messabi, Mountain Boy marked his first foray into acting, an experience he described as life-changing. “I truly enjoyed this experience, and I aspire to continue my artistic career and participate in new projects. There may be another film soon,” Al Messabi revealed. Mountain Boy is inspired by Michele Ziolkowski’s novel The Boy Who Knew the Mountains. It portrays the struggles of Suhail, a boy growing up in Fujairah’s rugged mountains, dealing with neglect while embodying values of resilience, inclusion, and empowerment. The film is considered a milestone in Emirati cinema, addressing rarely discussed social themes such as isolation, difference, and autism — while showcasing the UAE’s natural and cultural beauty. PIA/Expat Media
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