UMAH, a non-verbal documentary, took home Best Cinematography at Filmambiente International Film Festival for its bold documentary style and breathtaking underwater imagery.
UMAH follows the journey of a small sardine fish along the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates, home to some of the country’s richest and most diverse marine life. Capturing the full cycle of traditional fishing practices, the film offers a meditative look into a coastal culture shaped by rhythm, repetition, and deep respect for the sea.
Filmed across various locations in the UAE, Umah immerses viewers in the early morning rituals of fishermen, the precise methods used to harvest the catch, and the final moments at the bustling fish market. The film’s observational style and atmospheric sound design allow the visuals to take center stage, creating a sensory experience grounded in place and process.
The film received recognition and awards at renowned international festivals including The Washington DC International Film Festival (Filmfest DC), the Maryland Film Festival, Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, Long Island International Film Festival, International Golden Saffron Documentary Film Festival (Finalist), Viva Film Festival, Vaasa Wildlife Festival, Festival Film Bahari, Environmental Film Festival of Recife, Crossing The Screen Film Festival, Korean Film Festival, RAK Fine Art Festival, Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival, Scarab Film Festival, the Black Box Cinema, and SIKKA Art & Design Festival.
The film won Best Cinematography at Filmambiente International Film Festival for its unique documentary style and underwater cinematography and received further honors for visual direction across platforms dedicated to culture, environment, and documentaries.
