Although Emirati film Royal Love was shown for the first time at the Gulf Film Festival in 2013, it will hit cinemas for the first time across the UAE this Thursday.
At a press screening on Tuesday, filmmaker Jamal Salim said financing the film was the hardest part of creating it. He had to pay out of his pocket for the 14 days of filming — a period kept short to match his budget.
“In the Arab world, the UAE has the most film festivals,” he said, going on to mention several film financing companies in the region. “I think about 70 per cent of financial support goes to films made outside of this country. It’s a disaster.”
Houda Salah, a TV anchor and actress, is the female star of Royal Love. She says the film, a tale of love defying all odds, differentiates itself from others by representing “modern Dubai”.
“Many people will relate, even if they’re not from the Emirates or the Arab world, because it’s universal.”
In the end, Salih says the success of the film will depend on the reaction of audiences across the UAE.
“You create, and you work hard, but it’s the audience who ultimately decides whether or not to watch it,” he said.
