Emirati filmmaker Ali Al Batashi's dream: Preserving UAE's heritage through cinema

Ali Fouad Said Al Batashi, a UAE film graduate from Middlesex University Dubai, wants to change how the world sees Emirati culture through cinema. After earning his honors degree in filmmaking, he's now working to create films that showcase Gulf traditions with the same production quality that made him fall in love with American and British movies as a child.

Al Batashi's passion for filmmaking started early. As a kid watching Western films, he wondered why the Arab world, despite its rich culture and history, wasn't producing cinema at the same level. That question drove him into filmmaking, believing that cinema could carry Emirati voices to global audiences.

"Cinema is one of the most powerful art forms because it combines sound, image, and creativity," Al Batashi told local media. "It reaches different peoples easily. We're influenced by Indian and European films, and it's time for others to be influenced by our films and Gulf culture, especially Emirati culture."

His family initially opposed his career choice, but he proved his talent and dedication through his work. He became the first in his family to enter the film industry, starting with small projects that eventually gained recognition at local and international festivals.

**Building a Local Film Legacy**

Al Batashi has already made his mark at the Sharjah International Film Festival and Fujairah Film Festival with two documentaries. "Oya Mal" documents maritime heritage and diving arts, while his second film explores the Shihuh tribes in Ras Al Khaimah's mountains, both using modern, non-traditional artistic approaches.

His journey wasn't smooth. He failed his first year studying in Europe but returned to graduate with honors. "Failure isn't the end of the road, but the first step toward success," he said. "When I studied in Europe, I failed my first year, but I didn't lose hope."

The filmmaker believes talent alone isn't enough. Success requires passion, hard work, and persistence. He encourages young Emiratis to try filmmaking despite its challenges, emphasizing that confidence is essential for overcoming societal expectations and setbacks.

**Global Ambitions for Emirati Cinema**

Al Batashi has bigger plans ahead. He wants to produce an international Emirati film that presents the country's heritage creatively and beautifully. His ultimate goal is establishing an Arab production company that serves as a platform for Emirati and Arab creativity, distributing content regionally and globally.

"I aspire to establish an Arab and local film production company that will be a platform for Emirati and Arab creativity, spreading our work at Arab and international levels," he said. "It may take time, but with patience and determination, the goal will be achieved."

The UAE's film industry support exists but is still developing, according to Al Batashi. He remains optimistic about the future of cinema in the country and region, noting that local film culture needs strengthening and development. Over time, he expects growing interest in watching Emirati and Gulf films.

His story reflects broader changes in the UAE's creative industries, where young Emiratis are increasingly pursuing careers in arts and media. The government has been investing in creative sectors as part of economic diversification efforts, creating more opportunities for filmmakers and artists.

But Al Batashi knows building a sustainable film industry takes time. The challenge isn't just making good films - it's creating audiences who want to watch local content and building distribution networks that can compete with established entertainment hubs.