The makers of the Emirati film “The Ambush,” which begins showing on cinema screens to the public, today confirmed that this film is a turning point in their careers, and that it is a patriotic work that any actor would be honored to participate in, given that it documents the sacrifices of Emirati soldiers. The film succeeded in combining and balancing documentation with the humanitarian aspect, and provided the audience with a cinematic experience that was the first of its kind in the Arab and regional countries, especially in terms of the magnitude of the production. The harsh war, humanitarian work, and the relationships that bring together the “Sons of Zayed”… are all the topics presented in the film over the course of two hours, as the actors turn into tools that embody the sacrifices of Emirati soldiers, the true heroes in the battle.
At the Mokha base in 2018, the ambush incident occurred, the details of which the film recounts. The events start from the military base and develop rapidly, when three Emirati soldiers are ambushed by rebels in the middle of the mountains. They lose communication with the military base, and other teams are sent. To save them. Harsh battles and human scenes are highlighted in the film, which presents the soldiers’ determination to win the battle, not sacrificing any of the soldiers, and ensuring everyone’s return.
Director Pierre Morel was able to present a dazzling image in the Emirates, while adopting live effects during filming, which gave the film realistic dimensions in embodying the story.
Emirates Today met with a group of action heroes, who talked about the details of the experience. Abdullah Saeed bin Haider, who embodies the character of the operation commander, Mohammed Al Mazrouei, said: “The film contains a human story that highlights the type of sacrifices made by Emirati soldiers, and acting here is only a tool to embody Heroes performed by soldiers.
Bin Haider expressed his happiness to work in this film, which is considered one of the largest cinematic works produced in the Gulf, expressing his happiness in presenting the role of a hero of the armed forces, describing the character as a brave and adventurous person who did a lot to save his countrymen.
Regarding the challenges that accompanied filming the film, he confirmed that they were mainly represented by the “Corona” pandemic, as well as the rain that the filming site was exposed to, as a lot of work was done to restore the place to its original form, especially since all the events of the film take place in half a day.
As for Maitha Mohammed, she played a role different from her usual roles, as she presented the character of a girl who works in the military command, noting that the film is distinguished by the huge production, and that every Emirati actor wished to obtain any role in it.
Mohamed considered the film a new step for her in her acting career, especially since the audience was accustomed to her in romantic and simple roles, and it was the first time she presented such a character.
For his part, Ibrahim Al Musharrakh, who played the role of Mansour Qassem, pointed out that his character is complex and difficult, and he did not expect to play something like it throughout his career. He noted that what distinguishes the work on presenting a military character in the UAE army is the presence of different terms used by the actors, which required an effort to get used to. He considered his participation in the film a source of pride for him, expressing the rich experience of working with an international director, which contributed to presenting a professional film through his management of the actors.
The role of the engineer is played by actor Mohammed Ahmed Al Hammadi, who considered that the human story is the most prominent feature of the film, especially since they, as actors, met with the soldiers who faced the ambush and spoke to them about the smallest details they faced, noting that they underwent grueling sports and military exercises two weeks before the start of acting.
He noted that the effects that the audience sees in the film are realistic, as they are not composite, and were achieved by using very high technologies to give the scenes realism.
On the other hand, Hussein Saeed Salem played the role of Abdullah Zeyoudi, and noted that he is distinguished by being the sacrificial person who sought to communicate his voice to the world, considering that through this work, his workers will enter the homes of Emiratis.
He pointed out that the acting carried many poignant situations. During filming, tears were shed due to the many human situations it carried. He believed that this film is different from all the films presented previously, as it is an awaited opportunity for all those who worked on the film, and it will open doors for all nationalities to present similar works.
Mansour, who played the character of Colonel Jamal Al Khatri (the operations commander), considered that the film would lead to a qualitative shift in Emirati cinema in particular, and Gulf cinema in general, stressing that the scenario and dialogue cannot bear much work as much as conveying the story and acting, and that is why the actors met with the soldiers to present the work. With the highest amount of emotions.
He added: “I was a former conscript and had undergone military training three times, so it was easy for me to be in the film, while the training was difficult for a group of actors.”
Khalifa Al-Jassem played the role of Agent Bilal Al-Saadi, the leader of one of the groups who were on the mission, and a close friend of the martyr Ali Al-Mismari. He pointed out that the experience was his first in cinema, after his experience in theater and drama, indicating that working in cinema is completely different, as Spontaneity is one of the essential things that conveys feeling to the viewer.
He stressed that the challenges in the film were very great, and the soldiers who attended the premiere in Abu Dhabi praised the acting performance.
He considered the film to be a milestone for everyone who participated in it, and hoped to continue presenting more huge works.
Global output
French director Pierre Morel spoke to “Emirates Today” about the experience of directing a film in Arabic, and said: “Of course, it was an experience that carried many challenges at the beginning, especially since I do not speak Arabic, but it was fun, and it took me a little time to understand the dialect.” And also the tone in which they speak, which highlights the feelings in the real way.”
He stressed that his lack of familiarity with the Arabic dialect made him use music as a primary reference in his work, in order to manage the actors, especially since he does not know the meaning of words literally, but he knows the details of the story and events. He noted that the film is primarily humanitarian, without denying the documentary and Emirati national aspect present in it, but the human story triumphs in it, and this is what makes it touch any person who watches it.
He believed that what is said about the shift in cinema based on this film means that he completed his mission as a director to the fullest extent, pointing out the existence of the rule that allows such production to exist in the future, and he is happy to present similar experiences in the Emirates.
• “The Ambush” provided the audience with a cinematic experience that was the first of its kind in the Arab and regional countries.
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