The team behind the feature film «Beyond the Desert», inspired by the real events of the UAE's space program, has announced the start of preparations for production. The film tells a fictional story about the experience of the first Arab female astronaut and reflects the journey of Emirati ambition and determination to excel in space exploration.
Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak, founder of Naiy Production House, an Emirati company focused on social storytelling, will serve as the executive producer. She is joined in production by Carla Debelo, founder of Arabia Plus, a UAE-based production company aiming to highlight regional stories with a global vision. The team also includes Stephen Strachan, an award-winning producer through his company «Globa 3». The 90-minute feature film will be directed by David Darragh, an Oscar nominee and Emmy winner. Filming will take place in Dubai and various locations across the UAE.
«Beyond the Desert», supported by the Dubai Film and Games Economy Office, presents a mix of human drama and a thrilling narrative of ambition in the world of space. It tells the story of (Maryam), a young Emirati engineer embarking on the journey to become the first female astronaut in the country. During a rigorous selection process, she faces a dual test between national ambitions and her inner voice, between her family's legacy and her personal dream, discovering that the path to the future begins with understanding the past.
Nahal Badri, General Counselor of the Dubai Media Council, stated: «The support from the Dubai Film and Games Economy Office aligns with efforts to establish Dubai as a global center for creative production and media. We wish the team every success in presenting a distinguished work that sheds light on the Emirati experience, whose hallmark has always been ambition and vision for the future».
Executive producer and a prominent supporter of Gulf cultural innovation, Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak, expressed her appreciation for the support from the Dubai Film and Games Economy Office, saying: «The idea for the film «Beyond the Desert» was inspired by the exceptional achievements of the UAE's space program and the courage of figures like Nora Al Matrooshi, the first Emirati female astronaut». She added: «The film highlights the journey of transformation on a personal and national level across generations, celebrating our heritage as we confidently step into the future».
Producer Carla Debelo said: «This is a story that has not been seen on screen before. We are offering a narrative that embodies the achievements of Arab women to a global audience and highlights how their role is not limited to breaking barriers, but also in shaping new concepts for the role of women in the region's development».
Casting for the film's crew is set to begin soon. Capstone Pictures will handle worldwide sales, while «Front Row Film Entertainment» will oversee distribution in the Middle East and North Africa. The film will premiere in cinemas before its global release on digital platforms.
