Mohammed Saeed Harib, the award-winning Emirati creator of the Middle Easts first 3D animated series, FREEJ, has signed with Image Nation Abu Dhabi to direct the companys next local feature film. The as-yet unnamed sports comedy is scheduled to be filmed in the Emirates in spring 2013 and is planned for a fall 2013 release. […]
Mohammed Saeed Harib, the award-winning Emirati creator of the Middle Easts first 3D animated series, FREEJ, has signed with Image Nation Abu Dhabi to direct the companys next local feature film.
The as-yet unnamed sports comedy is scheduled to be filmed in the Emirates in spring 2013 and is planned for a fall 2013 release. The film will be Image Nations third local production, following quickly behind the coming of age drama, Sea Shadow, released last year, and the supernatural thriller, Djinn, also set for release in 2013.
The family-friendly comedy is set in the UAE, and follows the story of a disgraced former football player seeking redemption and a second chance at life by coaching a rag-tag team of high school students at a public school.
Mohammed Al Mubarak, Chairman of Image Nation, commented on the announcement of the new film: Image Nation is committed to the development of a prospering film and production industry here in the UAE, and we are thrilled to announce the addition of Mohammed Saeed Harib to lead our latest project.
Anyone in the UAE and around the region will be familiar with the FREEJ series and to have someone of Mohammeds calibre onboard, bringing all of his creativity, humour and talent to the project is indicative of the quality of production we have set out to make, added Mubarak.
Mohammed Saeed Harib is the creator and producer of FREEJ, the hugely popular animated TV series which follows the lives of four fun old Emirati women living in a secluded neighborhood in modern day Dubai.
I am thrilled to be making the move into feature films, said Mohammed Saeed Harib. I was looking for my next challenge, so when the opportunity to direct Image Nations next project arose I jumped at the chance. Image Nation has been doing a lot to develop the foundations of a vibrant and sustainable motion picture industry in the UAE, and I am delighted to be onboard to direct their latest film.
I am excited to be involved in a home-grown production and look forward to engaging the local community in this project. I am certain the upcoming production will create many new opportunities for Emirati talents both on and off camera, whether it is in acting or crew positions, added Harib.
Mohammed Al Otaiba, Head of Image Nation Abu Dhabi, commented: One of Image Nation Abu Dhabis goals is to provide opportunities to promote local talent and support all kinds of film genres coming out of the Emirates. We are excited to add a locally developed comedy to our slate, and look forward to kicking off production in the New Year. Filming is scheduled in the UAE in 2013 with a local cast and crew, so we encourage people who are interested in being involved in the project to get in touch.
The FREEJ series was born while Mohammed studied General Arts and Animation at Northeastern University in Boston between 1995 and 2001. Mohammed also recently directed FREEJ Folklore, the largest Arabic theatrical production in the region, which marks a new era in the entertainment industry through a combination of magnificent art with highly sophisticated technical tools.
