Private Project

Mountain Boy

MOUNTAIN BOY is a live-action, feel-good, family-adventure, feature film based on the award-winning United Arab Emirates (UAE) children’s book THE BOY WHO KNEW THE MOUNTAINS by Dr. Michele Ziolkowski.

Suhail, a young boy with Autism, flees to live in the mountains after his father shuns him, not understanding his determination. Pinned with the confusing sadness that his mother died in childbirth with him, Suhail makes the epic journey, with his new friend Barakah, an Arabian Saluki, to find acceptance, family, and redemption.

The film is a passionate exploration of the world of neurodiverse people to honour the entire human experience and understand there are many ways to be alive.

  • Zainab Sheheen
    Director
  • Nancy Paton
    Writer
  • Raihana Al Haishim
    Writer
  • Nancy Paton
    Producer
  • Meredith Brett
    Producer
  • Naser Al Messabi
    Key Cast
    "Suhail"
  • Reem Al Messabi
    Key Cast
    "Moza"
  • Ahmed Al Jasmi
    Key Cast
    "SUHAILS GRANDFATHER"
  • Belal Abdullah
    Key Cast
    "ABDULLAH"
  • Saeed Almesmari
    Key Cast
    "MUHAMMAD"
  • Ahmad Abdulrazzak
    Key Cast
    "MANSOUR"
  • Saleh
    Lead Artists
  • Denson Baker
    Cinematographer
    ACS NZCS
  • Pranali Diwadkar
    Production Design
  • Genres:
    Adventure, Family, Female Director, First time director
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 33 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    February 3, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    2,500,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United Arab Emirates
  • Language:
    Arabic
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Childrens Film Festival Seattle
    Seattle
    United States
    February 3, 2024
    World
    Iron Giants Youth Jury Award Best Feature Film
  • Al Ain Film Festival
    Abu Dhabi
    United Arab Emirates
    February 7, 2024
    UAE
    Falcon GCC Feature Appreciation Award
  • Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival
    Minneapolis
    United States
    April 20, 2024
    Minneapolis
    Official Selection
  • San Luis Obispo International Film Festival
    San Luis Obispo
    United States
    April 25, 2024
    California
    Audience Award for Best Feature Narrative
  • Africa Film Trinidad + Tobago

    Trinidad and Tobago
    June 22, 2024
    Caribbean
    Official Selection
  • Filem'On - International Film Festival For Young Audiences

    Belgium
    October 23, 2024
    Belgium Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Chelsea Film Festival
    Manhattan
    United States
    October 19, 2024
    East Coast Premiere
    Best Feature Film Cinematography and Best Young Actor in a Feature Film
  • OKO International Ethnographic Film Festival
    Bolgrad
    Ukraine
    September 18, 2024
    European Premiere
    Jury Grand Prize
  • International Sound and Film Music Festival (ISFMF)

    Croatia
    September 22, 2024
    Croatia Premiere
    Crystal Pine Award for the best Original Score for a Feature Film
  • International Thai Film Festival
    Bangkok
    Thailand
    September 22, 2024
    Asia Premiere
    Best Feature Film
  • Tokyo International Short Film Festival
    Tokyo
    Japan
    September 30, 2024
    Japan Premiere
    Best Producers - Nancy Paton and Meredith Brett
Distribution Information
  • Galloping Entertainment
    Sales Agent
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Zainab Sheheen

Mountain Boy is the feature film directorial debut of Emirati director Zainab Shaheen. Born in Fujairah, she is committed to empowering Emirati through uniquely Emirati stories.

Zainab's previous short films include Journey of Hope, Dates to Mars, Fujairah Vlog, and UAE 2071.

Zainab has also worked with The British Council on an international collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University, spotlighting her game development, social media, and digital filmmaking experience.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

When I read the book THE BOY WHO KNEW THE MOUNTAINS and met with writer/producer Nancy Paton, I was inspired by the idea of portraying the journey of an autistic boy. It was an opportunity to weave a narrative that not only entertains but also fosters understanding and empathy. The story is also a big step for the UAE's film industry, as well as the autistic community.

My initial vision for MOUNTAIN BOY was to create a film that seamlessly blends a heartwarming family story with the breathtaking landscapes of the UAE, especially the enchanting beauty of Fujairah and Abu Dhabi. I wanted the visual elements to complement and enhance the emotional depth of the narrative, providing audiences with a unique cinematic experience.

While adapting MOUNTAIN BOY for the screen, I engaged in insightful conversations with the book’s author, Michele Ziolkowski. She pointed out cultural concerns from the book that we, as locals, normalize. For me, this was a moment of realization that our culture carries a lot of special meanings.

I would like MOUNTAIN BOY viewers to take away the power of understanding, empathy and unconditional love and acceptance of others. The story fosters a greater appreciation for the diversity of human experiences, especially those individuals with autism.