Celebrated Emirati film director and producer Nayla Al Khaja (The Shadow, Animal) has announced casting on her debut feature film THREE, a psychological thriller which wrapped principal photography last week. First look images of the project have also been released. The film, directed and produced by Nayla Al Khaja and co-written by Ben Williams, stars British actor Jefferson Hall, known for his roles in “House of the Dragon,” Halloween, and upcoming Christopher Nolan movie Oppenheimer. Further casting includes Faten Ahmed, Noura Alabed (Wiladah), well-known veteran UAE actor Mari Al Halyan (On Borrowed Time), Mohannad Bin Huthail (“Rashash”), and up and coming Emirati actor Saud Alzarooni.
THREE unfolds in the bustling suburbs of a modern-day Middle Eastern city, where a young boy named Ahmed begins exhibiting strange behavior, 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 independent feature was shot in both Thailand and the UAE over a period of 24 days. The production was led by producer 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.
THREE signifies a meaningful milestone in the history of UAE Arab cinema by portraying an Englishman who becomes intricately intertwined with the core of an Emirati family—a situation that is rarely depicted on film.
Nayla Al Khaja, said: “I am thrilled to have wrapped my feature debut; this project is the collective efforts of 250 gifted artists who came together to achieve this vision. The performances of 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, said that: “Nayla’s skill and take on storytelling is a good break from the norm of what constitutes as 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.”
Executive Producer, Muna Easa Al Gurg, added: “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.”
Film Producer, Jean Charles, said: “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 will 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.”
Currently in post-production, Nayla Al Khaja’s feature film THREE promises to deliver an enthralling cinematic experience. Additionally, the filmmaker is already working on her ambitious next project, BAAB. The music for BAAB will be composed by the two-time Oscar winner, music director A. R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours). 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.
Bloody Flicks 