After winning the IWC Filmmaker Award at the 2013 Dubai International Film Festival (Diff), Emirati director Waleed Al Shehhi’s first feature film, Dolphins, had its world premiere at Diff on Friday.
The film brings together three characters: a divorced couple and their son, who are on a journey of self-discovery. The movie begins with the son, Saoud (Emirati actor Ahmad Al Jarn), on his motorbike and the story goes back in time. He is kicked out of his mother’s house as she is preparing for her remarriage. Bahraini actress Reem Erhama plays Saoud’s mother. Saoud’s only friend is Hilal, who has a leg brace. They wander together from beach to beach on Saoud’s motorbike. Fadel (Kuwaiti actor Khalid Ameen), Saoud’s negligent father, is an ambulance driver. Whenever Saoud hears an ambulance siren, he wishes that his father would take care of him, just as he saves people from death.
Specific scenes at the beginning of the movie keep the audience eager to know more about the unpredictable plot. The spiritual and enthralling scenario reveals the inner struggle within each personality. The film’s plot and script are captivating, while the music by Ebrahim Al Amiri is stirring and adds a melodious flow to accompany the breathtaking scenery.
As the slow-paced movie progresses, the camera captures the striking couloirs and different landscapes of Ras Al Khaimah, which range from mountains to valleys and the sea.
There are no actual dolphins in the film; they are used as a metaphor. The audience can draw the link through the scenario that contributes in shaping the meaning. Thai cinematographer Phuttiphong Aroonpheng’s angles make for compelling viewing. Several scenes reinforce the solid teamwork that has gone into presenting an aesthetic treat.
