Emirati horror movie The Vile, directed by Majid Al Ansari, explores disturbing folk tales surrounding polygamy
Majid Al Ansari, a renowned Emirati filmmaker, is set to make a comeback to the big screen with his latest horror film, Hoba. The movie, produced in partnership with Spooky Pictures, the Los Angeles company behind the 2022 horror-mystery Barbarian, will have its world premiere at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, before its release in UAE cinemas on October 30.
Al Ansari's collection of movies spans across cult classics, Korean thrillers, art house gems, and Hollywood blockbusters. His passion for cinema is evident in his private cinema in his Dubai home, where a wall is covered from floor to ceiling with Blu-rays. The cinema boasts a two-meter screen and high-quality speakers, providing an immersive experience for film enthusiasts.
Hoba is a more intimate film than Al Ansari's debut, Zinzana. It tells the story of Amani, a wife and mother, whose life unravels after her husband takes a second wife. The story is rooted in Gulf reality, despite working with seasoned horror producers. A line in Hoba may sound absurd to a western audience but reflects a real dynamic in the Gulf.
Al Ansari worked with horror veterans Steven Schneider and Roy Lee on Hoba. Schneider, known for his work on the Saw and Insidious franchises, provided guidance to Al Ansari, asking questions about Gulf culture and polygamy to ensure authenticity.
Al Ansari has not directed a feature-length film for 10 years but has worked as a producer and television director during that time. His first film, Zinzana, was a product of remarkable tenacity and made him the first Image Nation intern to graduate directly to the director's chair.
The Vile, another film by Al Ansari, has been picked up for distribution in the US, marking the first time a film from the UAE has done so. The film is poised to become the first breakout Emirati hit globally.
Al Ansari frequently visits a shop in Seoul to buy rare editions of movies for his collection. Among his favourites are Wong Kar-wai's 2046 and Na Hong-jin's The Wailing, which he found seismic.
Al Ansari's mother was initially sceptical about watching an Emirati film but was moved to tears by City of Life. With Hoba, Al Ansari aims to push the horror genre further with his next project.
Hoba has received international theatrical distribution deals, making it one of the first Emirati films to do so. The film's world premiere at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, is a testament to its potential to captivate audiences worldwide.
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