Shot on location in Dubai, the UAE production is the first live-action feature film from Emirati director Mohammed Saeed Harib, best known as the creator of the iconic animated TV series Freej.
Image Nation Abu Dhabi, the Academy Award winning media and entertainment company in the Middle East, have released the first look of the film and will release the Emirati feature comedy Rashid and Rajab in cinemas across the region on Eid Al Fitr (June 2019).
Shot on location in Dubai, the UAE production is the first live-action feature film from Emirati director Mohammed Saeed Harib, best known as the creator of the iconic animated TV series FREEJ. The film was produced by Emirati filmmakers Ali Mostafa (The Worthy, From A to B) and Majid Alansari (Zinzana), alongside Breakout Films Rami Yasin (Shabab Sheyab).
The family-friendly comedy follows wealthy Emirati executive Rashid (Marwan Abdullah Saleh) and carefree Egyptian fast-food deliveryman Rajab (Shadi Alfons), who switch bodies after a freak accident on their way to work. As they desperately look for a way to revert to their former selves, the unlikely pair gain a different perspective into each others lives.
Emirati actor Marwan Abdullah Saleh makes his feature film acting debut after being named as one of Screen International magazines Arab Stars of Tomorrow, while his co-star is played by Egyptian comedian actor and star of Saturday Night Live Arabia, Shadi Alfons. Dubai TV presenter Sheema makes the leap from television to the silver screen as Rashids wife Leila. Rounding out the cast of well-known regional acting talent and personalities are Egyptian actress Doaa Ragab, Emirati actress Haifaa Rashed, Saudi-Korean comedian Wonho Chung, Omans Samira Al Wahibi and Lebanese screen legend Fadi Ibrahim.
Ahead of the official teaser launch, Mohammed Saeed Harib said: I hope that audiences find the film as much fun to watch as it was for us to make. Our incredible cast of talented actors are seen in unexpected performances that will surprise and delight audiences. Rashid and Rajab will allow you to see the world through someone elses eyes, but when it comes to wanting to be someone else, be careful what you wish for.
The release of its upcoming film follows a stellar few months for Image Nation, having seen its third local production (Legal drama Justice) picked up by global streaming platform Netflix, and an Academy Award win for Best Documentary for its international co-production Free Solo.
Hana Kazim, Manager of Local Film & Television at Image Nation Abu Dhabi, added: Through our unique slate of projects, Image Nation offers an authentic perspective of the UAE to the rest of the world – telling the nations stories and representing its diverse culture and Rashid and Rajab is a shining example of this.
