The film is based on a true story about a rescue mission undertaken by UAE soldiers.
Image Nation Abu Dhabi and AGC International, an arm of AGC Studios in the US, have released their latest film titled Al Kameen (The Ambush) today, directed by French filmmaker Pierre Morel.
The movie is being distributed across cinemas in the UAE and select markets within the region by Vox Distribution.
According to producers, the film is the largest Arabic-language film ever made in the Gulf, with 400 cast and crew including an all-Emirati lead cast. It tells the story of a UAE army vehicle ambushed by enemy combatants while travelling through a narrow canyon. Following the attack by the armed militants, the trapped soldiers’ courageous unit commander attempts a daring mission to rescue them.
Pierre Morel said: “Al Kameen tells the incredible story of a small group of soldiers demonstrating courage, heroism and brotherhood in unimaginable circumstances. Working with a fantastic cast and crew in the stunning natural landscapes of the UAE, we have created a truly compelling story that is true, both visually and culturally, to its real-life inspiration.”
The film had its World Premiere in Abu Dhabi on November 22 at Vox Cinemas Yas Mall, with a special screening in Dubai on November 23 at Reel Cinemas. The screenings were attended by director Pierre Morel, producers Derek Dauchy, Jennifer Roth and the cast, alongside the real Emirati soldiers whose true story inspired the film.
Hana Kazim, manager of local film and television at Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Al Kameen development executive, added: “Demonstrating the epic bravery of a group of Emirati soldiers, Al Kameen is a truly unique production for the UAE. As the largest ever Arabic-language production in the GCC in terms of cast and crew numbers, we are incredibly proud of this inspirational film. It is a true testament to the talented crew in Abu Dhabi and the Emirates’ ability to draw in world-renowned industry names.”
Ignace Lahoud, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment & Cinemas stated: “Vox Distribution is dedicated to shining a spotlight on homegrown movies and amplifying the voice of local creatives and filmmakers. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Image Nation to release Al Kameen, which consolidates our commitment to showcase premium Arabic content and cater to audiences’ ever-evolving tastes.”
Al Kameen stars an all-Emirati lead cast, including Marwan Abdulla Saleh, Khalifa Al Jassem, Mohammed Ahmed, Abdullah Saeed Bin Haider, Saeed AlHarsh, Hassan Yousuf Alblooshi, Khalifa AlBahri, Ghanim Nasser, Mansoor Alfeeli, Hussein Saeed Salem, Abdullah Alrashidi, Talal Al Bloushi, Omar Bin Haider, Ibrahim Musharaakh, Abdulla Al Maqbali, Salem Altamimi, Mohammed Faisal Mostafa, Maitha Mohammed, Yaqoob Thabit, Salim Musabah Khamis Alnaimi, Saoud Al Kaabi and Mahira Abdelaziz.
The film was co-produced by AGC Studios and Image Nation Abu Dhabi and directed by Pierre Morel, with producers Derek Dauchy (Roman J Israel) and Jennifer Roth (Black Swan).
The film was written by Brandon Birtell (Furious 7) and Kurtis Birtell (Medal of Honour) in close consultation with the soldiers involved in the real-life 2018 ambush that inspired the plot. Image Nation Abu Dhabi’s production included a team of Emirati filmmakers and development executives including Hana Kazim, Talal Al Asmani, Alwiya Thani and Alia AlQemzi.