The 60 minute feature-documentary ‘Changing Sands’ produced by Pyramedia and directed by award-winning film director Bader Ben Hirsi has entered post-production phase.  ‘Changing Sands’ tracks the developments in Abu Dhabi from the onset through British Explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger’s eyes and his two bedouin guides Bin Kabina and Bin Ghubaisha, exploring the journey of Abu Dhabi through past, present and future.  The feature-doc begins with a focus on Sir Wilfred Thesiger and his individual ideas and hopes for the region clashing with ideas of others and resulting in numerous discussions and debates; some wanting the region to remain the same indefinitely whilst the others longed for modernity and advancement.  

An important climax of the documentary will be delving deep into the penultimate question: Who was right? Thesiger in wanting the Arabs to remain Bedu, or some of the bedu’s vision of bringing their people forward to rival the West?  The feature-doc will conclude with a look at the United Arab Emirates today and tomorrow, with the visions of Abu Dhabi’s strategic ‘Plan 2030’ and the country’s aim of preserving the environment and wildlife in order to maintain a hand in historical culture and tradition.

Pyramedia CEO Nashwa Al Ruwaini quotes, “We chose this project to be the first in the planned slate of films we are producing, as a symbol of our commitment to Abu Dhabi.  We are proud to be a part of contributing to the growth and development of this Emirate and we strongly believe in its future.  By producing this feature-doc we want to give viewers around the world a window into Abu Dhabi for all to see the achievements and potentials here.”

Using a mixture of reenactments, archive-footage and real-life interviews the feature-doc is shot entirely in Abu Dhabi using the Sony F900R HDCAM, locations included Al Ain, Liwa, Khattam and central Abu Dhabi.  Editing and post-production is taking place at Pyramedia’s post-production suites in Abu Dhabi using final-cut pro.  Shooting for the feature-doc began in April this year with post-production scheduled to be complete by July and domestic release scheduled for October this year. 

Director Bader Ben Hirsi quotes, “We look forward to the feature-doc’s release later this year and are aiming for a world premiere probably sometime in October.  We hope the film will go on to screen at many festival’s around the world over the next year.”

The feature-doc is 100% fully-funded by Pyramedia and its sales team are currently in negotiations for international sales and distribution and are seeking out rights partners worldwide after a successful presence at the Cannes Film Festival this month.