Women in Film & Television International (WIFTI) proudly recognises the success of Mountain Boy, an Emirati family adventure feature film that captivated audiences at CFFNY 2024 (Chelsea Film Festival New York). The film had its West Coast premiere on October 19, 2024 at Regal Union Square, NYC, marking a significant milestone in its festival journey. Mountain Boy is written and produced by WIFT MENA Member Nancy Paton and directed by Zainab Shaheen under Desert Rose Films and Fujairah Films.
Based on the award-winning UAE children’s book The Boy Who Knew the Mountains by Dr. Michele Ziolkowski, Mountain Boy follows the inspiring journey of Suhail, portrayed by Naser Almessabi, an actor who is himself autistic. Casting Naser was key to bringing authenticity and emotional depth to Suhail’s character—a young Emirati boy with Autism who defies societal expectations. Accompanied by his loyal Saluki dog, Barakah, Suhail embarks on a transformative journey through the breathtaking mountains of Fujairah, in search of acceptance, family, and belonging. This visually stunning and emotionally powerful adventure captures both the beauty of the UAE and the importance of representation in storytelling.
Directed with a commitment to authentic storytelling and representation, Mountain Boy stood out among this year’s festival selections, earning two prestigious awards: Best Cinematography and Best Young Actor in a Feature Film
This recognition is particularly meaningful as it celebrates the remarkable performance of Naser, a young actor from Abu Dhabi who is on the autism spectrum. Without prior acting experience, Naser was carefully trained and supported throughout the production process, and his outstanding performance is a testament to both his talent and the inclusive, nurturing environment fostered by the Mountain Boy team. His award is a triumph not only for him but for the entire cast and crew who created a space where he could shine authentically on screen.
With its rich storytelling, breathtaking cinematography, and groundbreaking approach to casting, Mountain Boy exemplifies the kind of transformative filmmaking that aligns with WIFTI’s mission—to champion diverse voices, inclusive narratives, and opportunities for women and underrepresented talent in film and television.
As Mountain Boy continues its journey, we celebrate the impact it has already made, paving the way for greater representation and accessibility in the global film industry. Congratulations to the entire Mountain Boy team on this incredible achievement!
For more information about Mountain Boy, visit the Chelsea Film Festival website.
Nancy, the writer and producer, brings a deeply personal connection to the story, as one of her children is on the autism spectrum. This personal experience drives her commitment to authentically portray the challenges and triumphs of individuals on the spectrum. Additionally, Nancy is the Head of Women in Film and TV for the Middle East and Africa (WIFTMENA) making her a key voice for women filmmakers in the region. She can speak to the growing developments for female filmmakers in the Middle East, as well as the importance of neurodiverse representation in cinema. Mountain Boy recently won the Children’s Jury Award at the Children’s Film Festival Seattle and the San Luis Obispo Film Festival’s Audience Award, testament to her passion for telling important stories with heart and authenticity. Nancy, a former resident of New York and an alumna of the Atlantic Acting School. Her time at the Atlantic Acting School played a pivotal role in shaping her passion for screenwriting and film production, and she’s excited to return to where her filmmaking journey first took flight.
Zainab Shaheen is a young Emirati filmmaker, making her feature debut with Mountain Boy. As an Emirati woman in film, Zainab is breaking new ground in an industry where female directors are rare, especially in the UAE. Her deep connection to her heritage and unique perspective as a female filmmaker are evident in every frame of this beautiful film. Zainab was also recently nominated for the Jury Grand Prize at the OKO International Ethnographic Film Festival, further highlighting her talent and vision.