There's an opportunity for UAE residents to check out a new Emirati film this weekend, as the writer and director Jamal Salim's Hob Malaki (Royal Love) gets a theatrical release at Star Cinemas in Al Bawadi Mall and select Vox cinemas.
The director says the story was inspired by The Hunchback of Notre Dame and adds: "Love is not only about beauty but about the spirit. That's what I tried to communicate through the film."
The film's stars include Habib Ghuloom Al Attar, who was in Emirati classics such as City of Life and Sun Dress, and the Tunisian actress and television star Houda Salah, who makes her feature-film debut.
Al Attar says: "Jamal stands out among us as a director who has his own vision. I never hesitated to accept the role he assigned to me, so Hob Malaki was a coherent and complete work." Salah adds: "This film highlights modern Dubai and issues of community, where the conflict between power of money and power of love lies."
The film, which features many of the cast of Salim's Ramadan series Habat Raml, tells the story of Zaal, a student in love with his classmate, Jouri, who is heartbroken when she becomes engaged to a rich man.
An accident leaves her in a coma and Zaal visits the hospital every day to talk to her and read poems he has written. Audiences at last year’s Gulf Film Festival, where the movie debuted, were reportedly cheering during the poetry segments.
cnewbould@thenational.ae
