“Houba”… Horror is a language that reveals the depths of man

Abu Dhabi continues to consolidate its position as the capital of film production in the region, this time through the new feature film “Houba”, which brings together “Image Nation Abu Dhabi” and the American horror company “Spooky Pictures”. The work belongs to the category of horror and psychological suspense, and bears the signature of Emirati director Majid Al Ansari, who is known for his ability to transform small human details into a deep visual narrative. “Zahrat Al Khaleej” met director Majid Al Ansari, artist Bodour Muhammad, and artist Jassim Al Kharaz, in a conversation that opens a window on the present and future of Emirati cinema:

Majed Al Ansari: “True Horror” shakes familiar places

Director Majid Al Ansari says: His attraction to horror films was not the result of coincidence, but rather the result of his realization that fear becomes more influential. When born into an environment, a person assumes it is safe. “Homes give us a sense of control,” he explains, “but when this feeling is disturbed, fear becomes personal and close to the heart.” The idea of ​​“Houba” was born from real feelings that he experienced over the years, including: betrayal, mystery, sudden change, and how “suppressed” family secrets can turn into a dark portal. Therefore, he wanted to present psychological horror that would allow the viewer to live the same experience that the heroes go through, not just as a spectator observing the events. Al-Ansari believes that the Emirati identity has become more present in cinema today, after local filmmakers began writing their stories in a style rooted in Emirati culture, without the need to imitate international models. He says: “What distinguishes the current stage is diversity,” and adds: “The Emirati identity is no longer limited to drama or heritage, but rather has become part of horror, suspense, comedy, and contemporary styles.” The Emirati director also believes that the new generation of filmmakers is more daring, connected to the world, and has the ability to formulate a new Emirati cinematic wave. If they have the right support and opportunities. Regarding the 54th Union Day, and how he sees the UAE in one shot… Al-Ansari confirms that reducing the UAE’s march to one cinematic scene is almost impossible, but if he had to choose one shot, it would be “one hand extending to build something new, and the other holding on to the values ​​of the past.” He adds: “The UAE is a story of will… a country that was founded on determination, and is still writing its chapters with the same ambition.”

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Bodour Muhammad: “Amani” continued to haunt me after filming ended

Emirati artist, Bodour Mohammed, describes her experience in “Houba” as one of her most important artistic stations. Because she faced a human challenge, before it was representative. The character of Amani, a mother who lives in a struggle between fear and power, required great emotional effort. To reach its depths. Baddour says: The character accompanied her long after filming ended, because of its sensitivity and complexity, especially since the film delves into subtle psychological layers related to loss, collapse, and clinging to hope.

She adds that working with director Majid Al Ansari gave her the space to present an internal performance far from exaggeration, and with a professional production team between Image Nation and Spooky Pictures, which made the experience “rich and different.”

The Emirati artist believes that acting in the Emirates is witnessing remarkable development, despite the presence of some challenges, but she believes that when the Emirati artist is loyal to his art and identity, he will receive the appreciation he deserves.

On the occasion of the 54th Union Day, she points out that one scene cannot express love for the homeland, as the feelings carried by the people of the Emirates are greater than any scene or celebration, and she says: “The unity of this land, its history and its achievements, is not a scene that we capture with a camera, but rather a feeling that resides in the heart. All that we offer in terms of art remains little compared to what the Emirates has provided to us: safety, opportunities, and reassurance.”

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Jassim Al-Kharaz: “Khaled” is a character who moves the threads of the story

The Emirati artist, Jassim Al-Kharaz, has a calm presence that is reflected in his roles, and the movie “Houba” was – for him – a different experience. Because it presents a central character from whom all the threads of the story begin. He describes “Khaled” as a man experiencing great internal conflicts, including: the loss of his first wife, his daughter’s distance from him, and that he became a prisoner of the consequences of his harsh choices. Al-Kharaz says: Working under the management of Majid Al-Ansari was an old wish, especially after watching the movie “Zinzana.” When he received the offer to participate in “Houba,” he felt that he had a great opportunity. To embody a multi-layered character, charged with human fluctuations. He adds that his choice of roles depends on his first sense of the text, in addition to the depth of the character and its impact on the story, considering that cooperation with professional teams, such as: “Image Nation” and “Spooky Pictures,” gave the experience an additional dimension of quality. Al-Kharaz believes that the Emirati audience is familiar with international cinema and has a high taste, which makes it able to support well-crafted local works, as happened with “Houba,” which was shown at the “Fantastic Fest 2025” festival and received wide acclaim.

At the conclusion of his speech, he expresses his pride in being part of an industry that is witnessing rapid growth, stressing that the 54th Union Day is an occasion in which feelings of belonging to a country that provides a prosperous environment are renewed. For creativity, success, tolerance, and achievement… He says: “This country embraced us and gave us space to dream and succeed, and every Emirati work that reaches a global platform is a tribute and appreciation to this country, which has created an environment in which talent flourishes.”

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