WATCH: Smith & Foulkes celebrate the richness of Emirati culture in ‘Dreaming Together’
Skwigly
Nexus Studios Directing duo Smith & Foulkes created a captivating animated short film together with the Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, Tellart and Kossmanndejong, to celebrate the UAE’s 50-year history and the richness of Emirati culture.
In a story woven through time, Smith & Foulkes took inspiration from the Bedouin artform, Al Sadu, placing three generations of family life at the heart of the narrative. Visualised through a subtle painterly 2D aesthetic and colours reminiscent of the nation’s rich landscapes, the film blends accurate historical moments with hopeful re-imagined scenes of what life could look like in the future, with a wish for greater equality and inclusion.
To ensure authenticity ran through every detail, the Directors worked closely with an all-female team of Emirate archivists who were consulted on creative decisions every step of the way.
Dreaming Together was shown on an impressive 8K, 24-metre screen at the Pearl Theatre as the centrepiece of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020, which was built bespoke for the event. Along with the screen, the semi-circular auditorium included rising seats and surround-sounds providing an immersive multi-sensory feast.
How many times in one’s career are you asked to create a film that celebrates the history of a Nation? It was a privilege to be able to travel through the country, immersing ourselves in Emirati history and culture. At the heart of this story are three generations of family life, specifically chosen to show the unparalleled speed of change and the experience of living through these times. This is a unique moment in time when all three generations are still here to tell this tale.
– Smith & Foulkes (Directors, Nexus Studios)
See more of the work of Smith & Foulkes at nexusstudios.com