The film is currently in post-production and Al Khaja is already working on her next project feature 'Baab'.
Emirati filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja has wrapped up the shoot of her debut feature film, Three. The independent feature was shot in both Thailand and the UAE over a period of 24 days. This psychological horror film, directed and produced by Nayla Al Khaja and co-written by Ben Williams, features British actor Jefferson Hall.
Hall stars alongside a mainly Emirati cast featuring Faten Ahmed, Noura Alabed, veteran actor Mari Al Halyan and Saud Alzarooni as well as Jordanian actor Mohannad Bin Huthail.
Three, which is currently in post-production, unfolds in the bustling suburbs of a modern-day Middle Eastern city, where a young boy named Ahmed begins exhibiting strange behaviour, eventually leading his mother, Maryam, to believe he is possessed. As the plot intensifies; Maryam races against time, seeking the help of a Western Doctor, medical professionals, and ultimately an infamous exorcist, all in an attempt to save her son.
The production was led by Sultan Saeed Al Darmaki, Daniel Zirilli, Jean-Charles Levy, and Nayla Al Khaja. Serving as Executive Producers are Muna Easa Al Gurg, Jefferson Hall, Siddharth Thakker, and Rasik Thakker.
Speaking about the film, Al Khaja said “I am honoured to have Emirates Airline supporting my debut feature film. This extraordinary step not only serves as a resounding endorsement of my artistic endeavour but demonstrates the Emirates’ unwavering commitment to supporting Emirati talent and amplifying the voices of female storytellers. With their support, we embrace the collective spirit of creativity that unites a remarkable ensemble of 250 gifted artists who came together to achieve this vision.”
Al Khaja added: “I am delighted to share that the performances by Jefferson Hall and Saud Alzarooni beautifully capture the stark cultural differences and yet emphasize our shared human needs; healing, connection, and love. Three is a riveting cross-cultural horror film that pulsates with the mesmerizing rhythm of a foreign world.”
Sultan Saeed Al Darmaki stated: “Nayla’s skill and take on storytelling is a good break from the norm of what constitutes both an Emirati and an Arab film. It aligns with Dark Dunes Productions’ goal of doing something different and doing something good in genres that are well-loved on a global scale.”
Al Khaja commented: “The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing generosity provided me with mesmerising aerial views of Dubai, truly taking my film to new heights and adding immeasurable value to my production.”
It is being billed as a milestone in the history of UAE Arab cinema for its storyline intertwining a Western character into a story with an Emirati family at its core —a situation that is rarely depicted on film.
Muna Easa Al Gurg noted: “As a first-time female producer in the world of Emirati film, I am here to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and amplify diverse voices. I believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change and create a more inclusive industry. Nayla Al Khaja’s talent stood out from the beginning when I encountered her short: The Shadow. Through our work, I strive to share untold Emirati narratives with the world and empower underrepresented communities. Together, we can build a platform for local cinema and pave the way for a future where every voice is heard and celebrated.”
Jean Charles remarked: “I love finding new voices from places where ground root cinema hasn’t been explored internationally, I think with Three it’s a culture that’s underrepresented in film and I believe it will find its space in this world and I’m so excited to be part of this film. Hoping that it would act as a catalyst for many films from Dubai for the rest of the world to see. Three captures not just the skyscrapers and aesthetics of the city but also the soul of its people and its diversity and that’s what makes it special.”
Additionally, the filmmaker is already working on her next project, Baab. The music for ‘Baab will be composed by AR Rahman. The shooting for ‘Baab is scheduled to commence in March 2024 in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.
Nayla currently has two running titles on Netflix worldwide – The Shadow and Animal.
