The psychological thriller is set for a countrywide theatrical release at Vox Cinemas by MAD Solutions on December 1, 2022.
Lebanese film Farah, directed by Hassiba Freiha and Kenton Oxley, will release in UAE cinemas on December 1, 2022.
A project of Knockout Productions, Intuitive Features and MAD Solutions, Farah is set in Lebanon and stars Stephanie Atala alongside Majdi Machmouchi.
The new psychological thriller explores themes of mental health, the role of big pharma, and the dynamics of a father-daughter relationship in modern Lebanon. The plot revolves around a pre-med student, Lina, who starts experiencing severe recurring nightmares, causing her to return home to Lebanon; a decision that sets her on a path to uncover a web of family secrets and ultimately a shattering truth. Farah puts a spotlight on the power of mind and body while delivering a cinematic journey depicting a collision between the modern Arab world and the region’s long-standing traditions.
Farah brings together a new generation of cast and crew shining alongside established household names. Stephanie Atala plays the role of ‘Lina’, the protagonist in Farah and performs a track in the film alongside UK music icon Boy George. Joining Stephanie in the role of Lina’s father is Lebanese powerhouse, Majdi Machmouchi, known for his roles in Esmoha La, In the Shadows of the City and Max w Antar alongside a range of notable television roles. The duo come together to depict a story that sheds light on Lebanon’s cultural revolution while posing challenging questions about inter-generational dynamics. Additional cast members include Nader Abd Alhay, Youssef Boulos, Pierrette Katrib, Janah Fakhoury, Josyane Boulos, Assaad Rechdan and Emirati director and writer, Hassiba Freiha herself.
Speaking about the UAE release of Farah, Director Hassiba Freiha said: ”After many years of working on this film, it’s exciting to share this labour of love with movie lovers across the UAE. As a proud hybrid Lebanese-Emirati, I love exploring multicultural stories, specifically the Middle Eastern POV within a Westernized world. I am passionate about blending Middle Eastern traditions with modern social norms, revealing issues we might not recognize on the surface but will eventually have to face down the line and ultimately, I seek to join a new generation of creative audio-visual expression. I look forward to Farah sparking conversations in the community and encouraging other Emirati female filmmakers to come forward with their own unique contributions to the feature film space.”
Director Kenton Oxley added: “It’s wonderful to be able to premiere our film in the country that is the foundation of Hassiba and my long-standing professional and personal relationship. We feel so much love, gratitude and affinity for the country that gave us the opportunities that led us to where we are today and are hoping for Farah to make an impact on the UAE’s forever-growing arts and culture scene. Mental health is at the core of our film, and it is more vital than ever that we see this represented on our screens. I hope that Farah will be a part of this increased awareness of mental health and also inspire hope in people who suffer.”
Since its world premiere at the Beirut International Women Film Festival earlier this year, Farah has received a range of international accolades. After it was selected for the New York-based Chelsea Film Festival, Farah won the festival’s Special 10th Anniversary Award for Best Feature Film. Additionally, the film also won two awards at this year’s Alexandria Mediterranean Film Festival, Egypt, under the Best Arabic Film and the Best Art Direction categories. Lebanese Film Festival Canada also awarded Farah its Best Feature Film Award (audience poll) for 2022.
Cinema lovers across UAE looking to kick off the National Day long weekend with a feature film by an Emirati female director will be able to catch a screening of Farah across all Vox cinemas starting December 1.
