Through a complex psychological drama, a memory laden with pain, and a chase for the ghosts of loss, Emirati director Naila Al-Kaafa presented a captivating story in her film 'Bab', which premiered in Dubai cinemas two days ago. This surreal journey, presented by the Emirati director, sheds light on a woman's story as she faces complex and wavering relationships between a sadness that pulls her into the past and a reality she cannot coexist with. The plot of the film, whose stars attended the premiere at 'Fox Cinema' in 'Wafi Mall', revolves around a woman whose sister has died, but she refuses to acknowledge her death and struggles with her memory. She constantly feels her presence, and the events escalate to discover that a 'fairy' inhabits the deceased sister's room, taking us into various worlds full of thrilling moments to uncover the truth hidden behind the door of this room.Emirati TouchDirector Naila Al-Kaafa spoke to 'Al-Ittihad' about this film, saying: 'The percentage of women who worked on the film exceeded 20% of the total workforce. There was an elite of women in very important fields, whether as producers, cinematographers, or the arts department. The Emirati touch in the work was clear. More than 140 artists worked on the film, in addition to a Western touch, as the film features the signature of the world-renowned composer A.R. Rahman in the soundtrack. Therefore, it combines Western and Eastern creativity while preserving the Emirati spirit.' Al-Kaafa added: 'The film's plot revolves around the story of twin sisters, one of whom dies, and the living girl is not convinced that her sister died of a heart attack until she opens the green door to her sister's room. The film's events turn and change.'Visual and Auditory ExperienceRegarding the collaboration with A.R. Rahman, Al-Kaafa noted that the film is visually and audibly rich and does not heavily rely on dialogue. Rahman's music significantly elevated the film's level. She praised the distinctive acting abilities that added much to the film, thanks to the presence of actresses Huda Al-Ghanem, Shaima Al-Fadel, and Mera Al-Madfa, expressing her pride in their participation. Regarding the film's screening at the Cairo International Film Festival, where it was the first feature film by an Emirati director to be screened at the festival, Al-Kaafa emphasized that the screening was outstanding. It was attended by star Ilham Shahine and critic Tarek El-Shennawi, and the feedback was excellent. She said she would repeat the experience with this distinguished team.Psychological ConcernsActress Huda Al-Ghanem, who played the role of the grandmother, shared her experience, saying: 'The film touches on many psychological anxieties and problems that provoked me. Through the character, I sought to take on a leadership role in the house, although the character faces difficulties between her suffering daughter and the deceased one. She cleans the deceased sister's room while being broken, but in front of her living daughter, she shows strength.' As for the behind-the-scenes, Al-Ghanem confirmed that it was exceptional, and filming took about a month. She expressed her admiration for the wonderful team spirit that the work carried, which reflected on the film, confirming her desire to repeat the experience with director Naila Al-Kaafa.A Real StoryActor Ahmed Al-Harithi, who played the role of the husband, noted that the film tells a real story, highly praising the experience, which was exceptional, especially new and different from what he had done before. He pointed out that the role was an opportunity for acting based on the body language more than dialogue, which is the most difficult. He noted that the cinematic industry in the UAE is witnessing significant development and receives support from institutions. He confirmed that Emirati cinema is competing at the Gulf level and can reach greater heights, especially considering that many directors are presenting outstanding works.Emotional PillarActress Mera Al-Madfa, who played the role of Amal, said: 'Amal's character forms the emotional pillar for her mother. In fact, I am older than Amal in the script, and this was suitable to present the character in a way that makes her resilient and strong, and knows exactly what she wants, unlike her mother, and seeks to transfer this energy to her mother.' She noted that all the female characters in the film express their feelings through their journeys, explaining that the main challenge in the role is to present the character more deeply and not superficially. Expressing feelings through the role is essential in this work.Child ActorThe child actor Mansour Al-Naaimani, who played the role of Tarek, expressed his happiness about this first acting experience, describing it as exceptional and challenging. The 13-year-old boy indicated that he aspires to become an actor in the future, noting that he received basic support from his mother and the actors who participated in the film.Before the film's screening, composer A.R. Rahman gave a speech, in which he confirmed his special relationship with director Naila Al-Kaafa and noted that the music he presented in this work is different from the music he has presented throughout his career. He expressed his hope that it would win the public's admiration.Film CrewThe film 'Bab' received support from the 'National Program for Culture and Creativity Grants', presented by the Ministry of Culture, and represents a qualitative leap at the cinematic level in the UAE, shaping the path for the nascent and evolving film industry in the country. It shows that local voices continue to challenge regional stories and shape them with new methods. The film is written by Masoud Amrullah Ali and Naila Al-Kaafa, produced by Sultan Al-Dermei and Naila Al-Kaafa. It stars Shaima Al-Fadel, Huda Al-Ghanem, Mera Al-Madfa, Sabiha Majawankar, and others.
