Desert Rose Films supports World Autism Month
Desert Rose Films, the dynamic and award-winning Abu Dhabi-based production company, is known for its unique, powerful and boundary-breaking films that challenge stereotypes and showcase the untold stories of the UAE.
Now, with World Autism Month coming up in April, the female-led brand is proud to explore the many ways that Mountain Boy, its latest live-action family feature film, highlights the issues surrounding autism and the many talents and capabilities of people on the spectrum.
Based on the children’s book The Boy Who Knew The Mountains, written by UAE-based author Michele Ziolkowski, Mountain Boy tells the story of Suhail, a young boy who is shunned by his tribespeople because they are puzzled by his exceptional abilities. Based on the experiences of Ziolkowski’s own autistic son, Suhail boasts an excellent memory, superb navigational skills and a natural ability to tune-in with his surrounding environment.
Nancy Paton, Founder of Desert Rose Films, hopes that the film will shine a light on all the amazing children and adults of determination who live in the UAE and around the world. As an opportunity to demonstrate their astounding personality traits and intelligence.
The ambitious filmmaker’s intention for the film is to convey why more people with autism deserve a place in the film industry, ensuring that the actor playing Suhail was also a young boy with autism.
Nancy says: “One of the main reasons why I wanted our adaptation to be a live feature film was so that we could have a boy with autism playing Suhail. That was my vision from the start. If we had used an actor, I never would have done this film. Naser, who plays Suhail, is so brilliant to work with. It has been amazing to see him flourish on set, and he brings the character to life beautifully.
“As a mum, I want my kids to grow up in a more inclusive society. Both Naser and Suhail have taught my crew and I a lot about how to be more inclusive and equal. It has been a delight to work with them both. The UAE is making changes and better-supporting people of determination and I’m feeling very positive about what is to come.”
Author Michele Ziolkowski also hopes that the film will help change people’s perceptions of autism.
She says: “After watching Mountain Boy, I hope audiences will pause next time they meet a person of determination and not be so quick to judge them. Suhail is so much more than his diagnosis. He is a beautiful, loving and affectionate boy with a good sense of humour. I want people to know Suhail. To know he is a real person, an individual, with strengths and weaknesses.”
The filming of Mountain Boy, which took place in the Hajar Mountains in Fujairah, has now concluded, and the project is currently in the post-production phase.
For more information about Desert Rose Films, please visit desertrosefilms.com.
