The burgeoning Emirati film industry will see another success with the world premiere of thriller film "Zinzana" taking place at Fantastic Fest in Texas.
The psychological thriller, produced by Image Nation Abu Dhabi, is the feature length film debut of Emirati filmmaker Majid Al Ansari . Ansari began his career as an intern with Image Nation in 2011.
"When I heard that my first feature film got into Fantastic Fest, I was ecstatic. To have my first thriller premiere at a festival which specializes in genre films is amazing. I can't imagine a better place to premiere 'Zinzana' and can't wait to see the audience's reactions," Ansari said, according to the Khaleej Times.
"This is an amazing achievement for the entire Emirati film community. The UAE film industry has grown right in front of my eyes and it's incredible that we are now receiving worldwide recognition for our work."
ImageNation Abu Dhabi is definitely proud to see one of their own making it so far as well.
"To have an Emirati film showcased on the world stage is amazing news, but to have one of our very own Image Nation team take a coveted slot at Fantastic Fest is incredible. We are all so proud of Majid and how far he has come since working with us. He is an inspiration for young Emirati directors looking to get into filmmaking - and proves that hard work really does pay off," Chairman of Image Nation Mohamed Al Mubarak said.
Fantastic Fest is the largest genre festival in the United States specializing in horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and action from around the world. The film festival takes place annually at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Austin, Texas. This year it will run from Sept. 24 to Oct. 1.