In its 18th edition under the slogan The Future Starts Now, Abu Dhabi Festival presentsUncle Naji, premiering in UAE and GCC cinemas on October 28.Co-produced by Abu Dhabi Festival, 3ks media production and producer and director Ahmad Zain Al Hashmi, the film is part of Abu Dhabi Festival’s strategy to support young filmmakers and promote the growth of cinema in the UAE.
Written by AlHashmi,Uncle Naji stars Ibrahim Al Meresi, social media influencer Mohammed Al-Kindi, Ahmed Seif, Omar Hassan, Ali Al Shehhi, Tariq Al Hosani, Ali Al Hajouri, Ayman Jbara, Nayef Al Shaer, Adel Homr and a cast of young Emirati actors, along with the assistant director Mohammad Al Abadi.
H.E. Huda Ebrahim Alkhamis, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, said:“We are proud to continue supporting talented film director Ahmed Zain Al Hashmi in his latest film project, Uncle Naji. This is a vital part ofAbu Dhabi Festival’s ongoing efforts to advance Emirati screenwriters and filmmakers.Inline with our nation’s vision to develop a thriving film industry, the Festival continues to serve as an active incubator for Emirati talent. Now in its 19th year, Abu Dhabi Festival’s support continues to grow for Emirati creatives who are laying the foundations of sustainable development in the UAE’s culture and creative industries. I would like to thank the filmmakers, actors and screenwriters for their wonderful work and all of our partners who joined us for the premiere to support Emirati cinema.”
The movie traces the life of Uncle Naji, who owns a restaurant and believes it to be haunted by jinn. A series of comedic events unfold in his pursuit to sell the undesired restaurant with the help and support of his Emirati friends. Uncle Naji becomes burdened with debts and forced to seek help from his grandfather, who brings inherited Yemeni artifacts to sell in the UAE. The grandfather helps Naji establish a food truck business, which after a short initial success, faces many hilarious challenges related to Naji’s friends.
Commenting on the movie, director Ahmad Zain AL Hashmi said: “Witnessing the success of Uncle Naji in UAE three years ago, we created this movie featuring an entirely new story while maintaining the lead character Uncle Naji, accompanied by former and new actors.Additionally, the movie is loaded with the usual unique mix of entertainment, comedy and many new songs.”
With great appreciation, AL Hashmi praised the Abu Dhabi Music & Art Foundation’stireless support for young Emirati filmmakers, driven by its strong belief in the significance of filmmaking to the nation’s sustainable development and future generations. He also emphasised how, through Abu Dhabi Festival, talents are provided with opportunities to realise their creative potential in cinema.
“Uncle Naji” is sponsored by Ajman Media City Free Zone, and the Department of Tourism Development in Ajman.
The 18th edition of Abu Dhabi Festival is supported by its lead partner Mubadala Investment Company(Mubadala) and energy partner GS Energy.
The year-long programme for the 18th edition combines a unique hybrid programme of virtual and in-person performances, exhibitions and events by over 500 artists from more than 50 countries. The festival will provide audiences with 16 exciting world premieres, 12 festival productions, eight global co-productions and four exclusive commissions, with 1 global music tour.
To find out more about the events, please visit the Abu Dhabi Festival website https://bit.ly/2SgFoZ4،/, and its social media accounts: Facebook (abudhabifestival), Twitter (@abudhabi_fest), and Instagram (@abudhabifestival).
