 A young man wakes up in a dense forest, tied to a tree, with no memory of who he is or how he got there. The only thing he remembers is the name "Diana." Confused and scared, he finds two campers nearby who discover him. As he tries to remember his past and the importance of Diana, he faces many challenges to uncover the truth.  Director Samy Chaffaï Samy Chaffai, a 28-year-old Arab/Tunisian filmmaker from Bizerte, Tunisia, graduated from ISAMM in editing and is pursuing a PhD in cinema and audiovisual science in ESAC. He won Best Director awards in 2020(Jordan) and 2022 (Tunisia). Founder & producer at Teleported Production. http://samychaffai.com
Director Statement "Where is Diana" is a deeply personal film that explores the themes of identity, memory, and the search for truth. Inspired by someone who took everything from me, this story reflects my wish for them to experience the same trauma and understand the pain they caused. It's not about vengeance; rather, it's about empathy and transformation, hoping that through understanding, they might become a better person. I can't say more without spoiling the movie, but I believe this journey speaks to anyone who seeks understanding and emotional growth.  Suhail, a young boy with Autism, flees to live in the mountains after his father shuns him, not understanding his determination. Pinned with the confusing sadness that his mother died in childbirth with him, Suhail makes the epic journey, with his new friend Barakah, an Arabian Saluki, to find acceptance, family, and redemption.  Director Zainab Sheheen Mountain Boy is the feature film directorial debut of Emirati director Zainab Shaheen. Born in Fujairah, she is committed to empowering Emirati through uniquely Emirati stories. Zainab's previous short films include Journey of Hope, Dates to Mars, Fujairah Vlog, and UAE 2071. Zainab has also worked with The British Council on an international collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University, spotlighting her game development, social media, and digital filmmaking experience. https://www.mountainboymovie.com
Director Statement When I read the book THE BOY WHO KNEW THE MOUNTAINS and met with writer/producer Nancy Paton, I was inspired by the idea of portraying the journey of an autistic boy. It was an opportunity to weave a narrative that not only entertains but also fosters understanding and empathy. The story is also a big step for the UAE's film industry, as well as the autistic community. My initial vision for MOUNTAIN BOY was to create a film that seamlessly blends a heartwarming family story with the breathtaking landscapes of the UAE, especially the enchanting beauty of Fujairah and Abu Dhabi. I wanted the visual elements to complement and enhance the emotional depth of the narrative, providing audiences with a unique cinematic experience. While adapting MOUNTAIN BOY for the screen, I engaged in insightful conversations with the book’s author, Michele Ziolkowski. She pointed out cultural concerns from the book that we, as locals, normalize. For me, this was a moment of realization that our culture carries a lot of special meanings. I would like MOUNTAIN BOY viewers to take away the power of understanding, empathy and unconditional love and acceptance of others. The story fosters a greater appreciation for the diversity of human experiences, especially those individuals with autism.  Interweaving the rhythms of daily life on the ranch and wild horses on the range, "Beyond the Herd" tells the story of Mexican-American equestrians Amber and Isidro. Their kinship with mustangs echoes their own experiences with discrimination and 'otherness.' As resources dwindle for wild horses, their bond becomes a symbol of resilience, transforming once-wild mustangs into lifelong companions.  Director Michelle Fenn Michelle Fenn, a filmmaker based in Los Angeles with New England roots, is making her documentary directorial debut with "Beyond the Herd". Her background spans editing and producing scripted content, and producing and directing commercial and docu-style branded projects. Michelle's storytelling is characterized by its authenticity, focusing on character-driven narratives that resonate with audiences. She has a passion for exploring female-driven stories and championing underdog narratives, aiming to create cinematic experiences that deeply connect with viewers seeking connection and self-discovery.
Director Statement There is nothing quite as painful as finding your 'why' and then discovering you're not welcome in that space. It's a universal experience; the heavy burden of feeling like you don't belong. Amber's experiences of "otherness" resonated deeply with me, as I know they will with our audience. Whether it's feeling excluded for how you look, who you love, the color of your skin, or being neurodivergent, the world can often be a lonely and isolating place designed to divide us. But Amber and Isidro have chosen to tackle their adversity head-on, creating space for themselves and other underserved communities to flourish and be accepted, both two-legged and four-legged alike. Through "Beyond the Herd," I aim not only to raise awareness about the challenges faced by wild mustangs and help rewrite their future, but also to inspire audiences to pursue their passions, even if they don't fit the traditional mold. Everyone deserves to feel like they belong. |
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