It is clear from the outset of Mountain Boy, the first feature film by Emirati director Zainab Shaheen, that it is a work made with love, both for country and the human condition.
One could watch Shaheen’s film on mute and still be impressed. It opens in the mountains of Fujairah in 1959, and within moments it is clear that care was put into each shot to capture the beauty of the landscape and the rich culture of the UAE’s people.
The film begins by telling the story of a young girl separated from her family when a storm sets in. She is scared and helpless but survives the ordeal because she is discovered by a 12-year-old boy named Suhail, who shelters her before guiding her back to her village.
The girl notices that there is something different about Suhail. What makes him different is the crux of the film. Suhail has autism and experiences the world in a different way. The girl realises, as does each person who interacts with him, that those differences are not disabilities – they are superpowers.
Suhail, played by Emirati actor Naser Al Messabi, proves to be exceptional in every situation that he finds himself in. He is able to predict the weather. He can seemingly talk to animals. He is an expert navigator. At times, his exceptionality verges on the supernatural.
Each of these abilities comes to light when situations arise. After Suhail returns the girl to her village, he sets off on a journey of his own. His mother died when giving birth and his father blamed Suhail for her death. He has lived in isolation as a result but, with his newfound friend’s encouragement, Suhail ventures across the desert to Abu Dhabi to track down his mother’s family.
As Suhail travels across the country, his discoveries, predictions and interactions feel like miracles. At a farm in Al Ain, he senses an undiscovered spring beneath the surface, much to the delight of those around him. On a boat in Dibba Bay, he warns sailors of an impending storm that only he knows is coming. At a market in Abu Dhabi, he calms a wayward camel, leading onlookers to suspect he has the power to communicate with it.
If this feels like a children’s story, there’s an explanation. The film is based on 2017 book The Boy Who Knew Mountains, by the naturalised Emirati-Australian author Michele Ziolkowski. The film’s producer Nancy Paton, founder of Desert Rose Films, was inspired to adapt the story into a film because of how her autistic son responded to the work, hoping to pass that feeling on to many more through the power of film.
Shaheen made the film with care in every aspect. The costuming, cinematography and casting show that this is an Emirati film through and through, with more aspects of the UAE’s rich heritage shown on screen than any other. It even explores the many nuances between the people of each emirate and the contrasting beauty of the country's mountains, coasts and dunes.
She also attempted to represent autism with as much care and accuracy as possible, casting an autistic actor after auditioning 19 other autistic young men in a dedicated search across UAE schools.
There is one potential unfortunate side for some in the way that the story portrays autism, however. For many with the condition, films and other media that portray autism as a superpower, even if made with the best of intentions, can be detrimental.
One Emirati with autism, who wishes to remain anonymous, tells The National: “I understand how some might need these sorts of stories to understand and make sense of their differences, whether positive or negative. But as someone who has tried to put all my difficulties into that framework, not much of it feels like a superpower.”
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Some people on the autism spectrum are of the view that if their condition is seen as a superpower, unreasonable expectations can be placed upon them. They believe it frames the value of their lives on the tricks it is assumed they can perform, rather than understanding them as people.
In Mountain Boy, Suhail may be a miracle worker, but the story may have been even more touching if he was just a kind young man — without miraculous powers — whose immense empathy, in turn, helped others be empathetic to him.
But different types of representation empower people differently. Perhaps for many young people with autism out there, Suhail’s beautifully rendered fable will be exactly what they need to help them achieve their own potential, however ordinary or extraordinary. For others, we can but hope for a more realistic portrayal of what life with autism is actually like.
Mountain Boy will screen at the Gulf Cinema Festival in Riyadh, taking place from April 14 to 18
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
FIGHT CARD
Bantamweight Hamza Bougamza (MAR) v Jalal Al Daaja (JOR)
Catchweight 67kg Mohamed El Mesbahi (MAR) v Fouad Mesdari (ALG)
Lighweight Abdullah Mohammed Ali (UAE) v Abdelhak Amhidra (MAR)
Catchweight 73kg Mostafa Ibrahim Radi (PAL) v Yazid Chouchane (ALG)
Middleweight Yousri Belgaroui (TUN) v Badreddine Diani (MAR)
Catchweight 78kg Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Adnan Bushashy (ALG)
Middleweight Sallaheddine Dekhissi (MAR) v Abdel Emam (EGY)
Catchweight 65kg Rachid Hazoume (MAR) v Yanis Ghemmouri (ALG)
Lighweight Mohammed Yahya (UAE) v Azouz Anwar (EGY)
Catchweight 79kg Omar Hussein (PAL) v Souhil Tahiri (ALG)
Middleweight Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Laid Zerhouni (ALG)
More on animal trafficking
Q&A with Dash Berlin
Welcome back. What was it like to return to RAK and to play for fans out here again?
It’s an amazing feeling to be back in the passionate UAE again. Seeing the fans having a great time that is what it’s all about.
You're currently touring the globe as part of your Legends of the Feels Tour. How important is it to you to include the Middle East in the schedule?
The tour is doing really well and is extensive and intensive at the same time travelling all over the globe. My Middle Eastern fans are very dear to me, it’s good to be back.
You mix tracks that people know and love, but you also have a visually impressive set too (graphics etc). Is that the secret recipe to Dash Berlin's live gigs?
People enjoying the combination of the music and visuals are the key factor in the success of the Legends Of The Feel tour 2018.
Have you had some time to explore Ras al Khaimah too? If so, what have you been up to?
Coming fresh out of Las Vegas where I continue my 7th annual year DJ residency at Marquee, I decided it was a perfect moment to catch some sun rays and enjoy the warm hospitality of Bab Al Bahr.
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
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Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
RESULTS
5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,400m
Winner: AF Tathoor, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
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Winner: Winked, Connor Beasley, Abdallah Al Hammadi
7.30pm: Al Ain Mile Group 3 (PA) Dh350,000 1,600m
Winner: Somoud, Connor Beasley, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
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Winner: Al Jazi, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
Key facilities
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How to become a Boglehead
Bogleheads follow simple investing philosophies to build their wealth and live better lives. Just follow these steps.
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Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
The Limehouse Golem
Director: Juan Carlos Medina
Cast: Olivia Cooke, Bill Nighy, Douglas Booth
Three stars
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