DRF is currently developing 'Mountain Boy', a live-action feature film based on the UAE children's book 'The Boy Who Knew the Mountains' by Emirati-Australian author Dr Michele Ziolkowski.
UAE-based productions company, Desert Rose Films (DRF), has revamped its online hub with a brand new website.
Founded in 2014 by Abu Dhabi-based screenwriter, director and producer Nancy Paton, Desert Rose Films is a film production company seeking to deepen the understanding of the region and the women creating change by providing an alternative view with new voices and perspectives. DRF operates from Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, London and Australia with a slate of both feature films and TV shows in development in these regions.
Nancy Paton, Founder of Desert Rose Films, said: “Empathy, understanding and education – this is what drives Desert Rose Films. We are giving women in the region a voice both in front of and behind the camera – creating a movement of organic, dynamic and compelling storytelling from a new perspective. Our commonalities unite us and our diversity emboldens us.”
Currently in the pipeline, in line with Autism Awareness month, is Mountain Boy, a live-action feature film based on the award-winning UAE children’s book The Boy Who Knew the Mountains written by Emirati-Australian author Dr Michele Ziolkowski. Ostracized by villagers who don’t understand his differences, a young boy with Autism lives alone in the mountains of Fujairah. His special affinity for the environment and his super ability to make sense of the natural world takes him on adventures throughout the UAE. Using his rare talents to help people around the country, he gains the confidence he needs to return to his family. In line with DRF’s mission to support and champion local talent, the film includes participation from Emirati Director Eman Al Sayed and Emirati Producer Raihana Al Hashmi.
DRF’s established mentorship programme brings the most discerning talents in the industry together. It gives people, from all backgrounds, the right skills, expertise and space to amplify their potential and thrive.
Paton added: “The positive impact our work has made already is only the tip of the iceberg. We wouldn’t be able to make strides without the contribution and support in the region. We encourage anyone interested in the industry to contribute, whether through investment, volunteering or participating in our mentorship programme. What we are trying to achieve is bigger than us – we are creating change and mobilising support for female filmmakers in the future, here and everywhere. It is essential for us to proactively embolden the independent film industry in the region and create these opportunities for women and give them a safe space to tell their stories and the freedom to see their visions come to life through the medium of film – which is such a powerful tool.”
DRF also offers investment options for those interested in getting involved behind-the-camera, through innovative and pioneering ways. “It’s important to us that we equally support our investors, by walking them through the process, having complete transparency and demonstrating real returns – both financially and in the women we are mentoring. We have a number of projects in the pipeline and it’s an incredibly exciting time for DRF,” concluded Paton. DRF offers the use of blockchain technology, allowing investors to take advantage of the increasing value of digital currencies and continually earn revenue way past a project’s release.
