The movie is being distributed across cinemas by Vox Distribution.
Emirati action film Al Kameen (The Ambush), a co-production between AGC International and Image Nation Abu Dhabi, has smashed box office records with more than 170,000 admissions since it opened in theatres on November 25.
This makes it the most successful Emirati and Arabic-language movie in the UAE, which is one of the top 20 box office markets in the world. It has also sealed its position as one of the five top-grossing films this year after less than one week in release.
According to the producers, more than 400 cast and crew members were involved in Al Kameen, which was filmed entirely in the UAE, making it the largest ever Arabic-language feature film production in the GCC. The movie recently had its world premiere at Vox Cinemas Yas Mall, which was attended by acclaimed director Pierre Morel, producers Derek Dauchy and Jennifer Roth, and the cast, alongside the real Emirati soldiers whose true story inspired the film. Since releasing on Thursday, it has been a box office sensation and earned critical acclaim. It is currently on release across 185 screens in the Emirates.
Speaking about the success of Al Kameen, Ignace Lahoud, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment & Cinemas, said: “Vox Distribution is immensely proud of the record-breaking success that Al Kameen is enjoying in the UAE, which reiterates the growing popularity of homegrown productions and also demonstrates that audiences want the immersive and unrivalled entertainment experience that cinema provides. We are committed to championing local talent and providing the necessary platform to ensure that premium Arabic content is made accessible to audiences. We look forward to more successful collaborations with our partners Image Nation Abu Dhabi.”
Director Pierre Morel added: “The feedback we have received from audiences across the UAE has been overwhelming and I am so proud to have been a part of this fantastic project. I hope audiences continue to resonate with this inspirational story of brotherhood.”
Hana Kazim, Manager of local film and television at Image Nation Abu Dhabi and executive in charge of production on Al Kameen, stated: “Besides the compelling story, Al Kameen‘s success comes in no small part from the incredibly talented crew based in Abu Dhabi. This achievement is further proof that world-class content is being produced in the Emirate. The success of the film is a landmark moment for Emirati cinema and we hope this also provides further opportunities for our well-proven local talent.”
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.
Al Kameen (The Ambush) 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 incident 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.
