Emirati filmmaker Ali Mustafa is back, and this time he’s turning up the action. Fresh off his acclaimed film, From A to B, director is teaming up again with Image Nation Abu Dhabi for his next feature, to be called The Worthy. Mustafa made the announcement on the sidelines of the Cannes film festival, which he is attending.
Set to go into production later this year, the film will have two Hollywood veterans: Peter Safran (The Conjuring, Annabelle) and Steven Schneider (Paranormal Activity, Insidious) who have come onboard to produce the project with Mustafa’s regional producer Rami Yasin (Sea Shadow, From A to B).
Set in a dystopian future that has been plunged into chaos due to a chronic water shortage, The Worthy is about a group of survivors seeking refuge with the only clean remaining water source in the area. When two visitors infiltrate their compound, they soon become pawns in a test for survival, where only one of them shall be chosen worthy.
“As the first action/thriller I’m directing, The Worthy is a new adventure for me. My producers, Peter and Steven, have produced some of the best genre movies ever made with critical and commercial hits such as The Conjuring and Paranormal Activity. They are really at the top of their game right now and their expertise will be invaluable on The Worthy so I’m excited to be working with them and with Image Nation again on The Worthy,” said Mustafa.
Producer Safan said: “The film industry in Abu Dhabi is at an extremely exciting time in its development, I am looking forward to playing a small part in its growth by working on this fantastic film.”
Schneider said about joining the project as a producer: “Image Nation is a pioneering force in the UAE community and Ali Mustafa is such a unique talent. I think we have an amazing team working on this project and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
The announcement comes on the heels of Mustafa’s last film From A to B, co-produced by twofour54 and Image Nation. The hit comedy drama is set to be released theatrically in the UK and Italy this year.
“We’re so happy to be working with Ali Mustafa again on this exciting new genre film. He is a true talent and shares our vision for growing the local and regional film industry,” said Mohammad Al Mubarak, the chairman of Image Nation.
