Arabic-language feature will debut at the prestigious festival on January 5th 2018

The upcoming feature film SHEBAB SHEYAB from Image Nation Abu Dhabi, one of the region’s leading media and entertainment companies, is confirmed to have its world premiere at the prestigious Palm Springs International Film Festival 2018.

Debuting on January 5th, the Arabic-language comedy written and directed by filmmaker and music video pioneer Yasir Al Yasiri, is a story of human adventure and the pursuit of hope, based on the short story (Inheritance of Borrowed Time) from the famous Iraqi poet Karim Al Iraqi.

The narrative follows four elderly men spending the latter years of their lives in a senior home who are down and dejected, until their world is turned around when one of them inherits 50 million dirhams and is able to support the dreams they had all but forgotten.

The film is produced by Rami Yasin (Zinzana, The Worthy), with Emirati director Majid Al Ansari (Zinzana) serving as Executive Producer along with Mansour Al Feeli (Qalb Al Adala).

Director, Yasir Al Yasiri, said of the selection,“I am honoured that Shebab Sheyab will be having its world premiere at the prestigious Palm Springs International Film Festival. The festival is one of the highlights in the film calendar which has always been a champion of Arab cinema. I can’t wait for audiences to see it”.

The production enlists an all-star cast of Arabic talent including renowned Kuwaiti actor SaadAl Faraj (Souq Al Maqases, Darb Al Zalag); Syrian star Salloum Hadad (Al Kawasir As Shaqeef); Emirati actors Mansour Al Feeli (Qalb al Adala, Dishoom) and Marie Al Halyan (KhiyanatWatan, Wadeema Wa Haleema) in the four lead roles. Also featured are Kuwaiti stars Fuad Ali (Al Am Saqer), Laila Abdallah (Tariq Show), and Abdullah Aljunaibi (Djinn, 8 Hours).

Lead actor and Executive Producer, Mansour Al Feeli said; “After months of hard work, dedication and passion, it is amazing to see Shebab Sheyab debut on the international stage. I hope audiences enjoy watching it as much as we did making it!”

SHEBAB SHEYAB follows a history of Image Nation’s local feature films which have debuted at esteemed international film festival including THE WORTHY at BFI London Film Festival in 2016 and ZINZANA at FantasticFest in 2014.

Ben Ross, Head of Narrative at Image Nation said;“International film festivals are the perfect platform to showcase the UAE film industry.  The volume of local productions has been growing the last few years, demonstrating how important the UAE is to the regional market.  SHEBABA SHEYAB clearly demonstrates the wealth of talent we have in this region, both in front of and behind the camera.”

The Palm Springs International Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in North America, welcoming over 135,000 attendees each year for its line-up of new and celebrated international features and documentaries.

The Festival is also known for its annual Film Awards Gala, honouring the best achievements of the filmic year by a celebrated list of talents.  Produced by the Palm Springs International Film Society, the Festival offers 14 days of events and film screenings featuring over 180 films.