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Special Screening Of Documentary “Shadows of That Light” On Late Poet Sultan Al Owais

The Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation hosted a special screening of documentary film “Shadows of That Light”, which explores the life of poet Sultan Al Owais, marking the centenary of his birth.

Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Bilal Al Budoor, Ibrahim Al Hashmi, Mahmoud Noor, Nujoom Al Ghanem, and Anne de Mo are shown with the poster of “Shadows of That Light” prior to the screening.
Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Bilal Al Budoor, Ibrahim Al Hashmi, Mahmoud Noor, Nujoom Al Ghanem, and Anne de Mo are shown with the poster of “Shadows of That Light” prior to the screening.

The film was directed by Emirati poet and filmmaker Nujoom Al Ghanem and screened at Vox Cinema in Wafi, Dubai. The event drew an audience of writers, artists, intellectuals and journalists, including H.E. Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Secretary-General of the Al Owais Cultural Foundation; Dr. Fatima Al Sayegh, Member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees; H.E. Bilal Al Budoor, Chairman of the Cultural and Scientific Association; alongside several public figures.

Prioer to the screening, director Nujoom Al Ghanem thanked the entire production team, giving special recognition to editor Anne de Mo for her significant contribution. Al Ghanem spoke about the film’s production process, particularly the challenge of transforming archival material into a living narrative by blending historical footage with contemporary testimonies. These contributions formed a panoramic portrayal of Sultan Al Owais through accounts that highlighted his life, poetry, business ventures, philanthropy, and the early foundations of the Al Owais Cultural Award.

The 60-minute film received high praise from attendees, who commended Al Ghanem for offering a distinct cinematic vision. The film opens with an abstract painted outline of Sultan Al Owais’ face, gradually evolving in colour and detail as testimonies unfold. By the final scenes, the artwork is complete, mirroring a visual-sonic portrait of the poet that evolves in parallel with the voices and narratives woven throughout the film.

The film features testimonies from: H.E. Hamid bin Nasser Al Owais, H.E. Mohammed Al Murr, H.E. Bilal Al Budoor, H.E. Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Ibrahim Al Hashmi, Abdulilah Abdulqader, and Mahmoud Noor. Each shared insights reflecting their personal connection to Sultan Al Owais, whether through his cultural work, commercial endeavours, or humanitarian legacy. Collectively, their accounts formed a harmonious narrative that some attendees described as a poetic cinematic tribute.

Since January, the Al Owais Cultural Foundation has been running a wide-ranging programme marking the centenary of Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais, who as UNESCO designated 2025 as the year to celebrate his 100th birth anniversary. The programme includes raising the value of the Al Owais Cultural Award to $150,000 per category, producing films and publications, releasing translations, hosting art exhibitions, issuing commemorative stamps and coins, musical events, and more.