Documentary is the discipline of waiting for the real thing to happen and being ready when it does. It is the least controllable work we do and often the most durable.
Cultural institutions and funds commissioning documentary work.
Organisations with a story that is genuinely a story rather than a message.
Broadcasters and producers needing a production partner in the region.
We spend the time. Observational work cannot be scheduled into a single day and still be honest, and the difference shows immediately on screen.
Where a subject carries cultural weight we film it with the restraint it deserves, which usually means less commentary rather than more.
UMAH is a non-verbal documentary following a sardine along the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates, through the full cycle of traditional fishing practice. It won Best Cinematography at the Filmambiente International Film Festival and has screened at festivals including Filmfest DC, the Maryland Film Festival, Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, Vaasa Wildlife Festival and Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival.
The film carries no narration. The observational approach and sound design do the work instead, which is a choice we would make again on the right subject.
Organisations increasingly want documentary rather than corporate film, and the distinction is real: documentary means being willing to show what is actually there, including the parts that were not in the brief.
Where a client is prepared for that, the result outlives a campaign cycle. Where they are not, a brand film is the more honest format and we will say so.
We take documentary commissions across the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, and across Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, AlUla, NEOM and Diriyah. Travel, permits and local crew are arranged as part of the production.
Longer than a brand film, and the honest answer depends on the subject. Observational work needs repeat visits across a real period of time.
Yes, and we act as a regional production partner on projects led elsewhere.
Yes, provided the organisation is genuinely prepared to show what is there. If it is not, a brand film is the more honest format.