The entertainment network Rotana has bought the TV rights to director Ali Mostafa's new film From A to B, which will have its world premiere this month when it opens the Abu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF).
The broadcaster, a leading pan-Arab media compan, has been named as a co-producer of the film alongside Image Nation, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Media, publisher of The National, and twofour54.
It will have the rights to screen the movie, the City of Life director's second feature film after its initial theatrical release.
“To have one of the region’s largest entertainment companies partner on one of our projects is superb,” Mohamed Al Mubarak, the chairman of Image Nation. “We’re glad Rotana feels as strongly about this film as we do and we look forward to using our combined experience to ensure Ali Mostafa’s film has a great start.”
From A to B tells the story of three friends on a road trip from Abu Dhabi to Beirut. It is the first Emirati feature film to open ADFF.
Noura Al Kaabi, the chief executive of twofour54, said: “We are working on attracting Hollywood as well as Bollywood productions to Abu Dhabi, but most importantly we want to nurture Emirati and Arab talent.
“Supporting Ali Mostafa’s film is an extension of our sincere effort in honing home-grown talents in filmmaking and our support is in line with Abu Dhabi’s vision for the media industry”
Turki Al Shabanah, head of Rotana TV Network said: "Rotana, who in past years has produced a number of Arabic blockbusters, is happy to co-produce From A to B and to join forces with well reputed production houses on this much anticipated film."
The Abu Dhabi Film festival opens with the gala screening of From A to B on October 23.
