Al Khaja directed and produced the film and also co-wrote the drama with Ben Williams
Nayla Al Khaja Films and Dark Dunes Productions, in collaboration with Camb AI, have announced the transformation of Nayla Al Khaja’s psychological thriller Three to Mandarin using cutting-edge AI technology.
Facing fundraising challenges for Three, Nayla Al Khaja, a resilient female filmmaker, has demonstrated unwavering determination. As a pioneer in UAE cinema, her ambition is to bring Emirati films to a global audience. Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been a constant supporter, playing a crucial role in realising this dream. The dream materialised as Three achieved the milestone of becoming the first Emirati film to transcend borders. Breaking news accompanies this feat, as the film is set to make history on March 14 as the first Arab film to utilise AI technology, releasing in Chinese (Mandarin language). This announcement was made during a special screening of Three on March 1 at Vox Cinemas, Galleria Mall, Abu Dhabi, attended by HE Noura Al Kaabi and ambassadors from various countries.
Three, originally produced in English and Arabic, has been reimagined using the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, preserving the original voices of the actors to enhance the authenticity of the storyline. This innovative approach sets a new standard in cinematic translation and storytelling.
Continuing its successful run in cinemas during its fifth week in the UAE and Egypt, the film has garnered critical acclaim and a strong audience presence. Building on this success, Vox Distribution collaborated with Nayla Al Khaja to release the film in Mandarin. Overseen by Dongying Wang, the translation process was meticulously executed, ensuring a seamless transition for audiences.
Three unfolds in the bustling suburbs of a modern-day Middle Eastern city, where a young boy named Ahmed begins exhibiting strange behaviour, leading his mother, Maryam, to believe he has mental health issues. As the plot intensifies, Maryam races against time, seeking the help of a Western Doctor, medical professionals, and ultimately an infamous healer, all to save her son. The movie delves into themes of mental health, coming of age, and superstitions.
Shot in both Bangkok and the UAE over a period of 24 days, this independent feature is produced by Nayla Al Khaja, Daniel Zirilli, Jean-Charles Levy, and Sultan Saeed Al Darmaki. Serving as Executive Producers are Muna Easa Al Gurg, Jefferson Hall, Siddharth Thakker, Rasik Thakker, and Sultan Saeed Al Darmaki.
This landmark release serves not only as an entertainment event but also as a groundbreaking case study. By leveraging AI technology to bridge cultural and linguistic divides, Nayla Al Khaja Films, Dark Dunes Productions, and Camb AI are pioneering a new era of global cinema. The reception and feedback from this release will provide invaluable insights into audience reactions to AI-enhanced films, paving the way for future endeavours in diverse markets and languages.
Nayla Al Khaja, acclaimed filmmaker and visionary behind Three, expressed her excitement about this historic collaboration: “Bringing Three to Mandarin-speaking audiences using AI technology is a testament to the power of innovation in storytelling. We are thrilled to partner with Camb AI and Vox Distribution to explore new frontiers in cinema.”
