The Sons of Two Suns
First Emirati sci-fi short film about two suns.
The Sons of Two Suns is an Emirati post-apocalyptic science fiction short film directed by S. A. Zaidi and produced by Ghanem Ghubash. It is recognized as the first science fiction film produced in the United Arab Emirates.
Quick Facts
- Director
- S. A. Zaidi
- Producer
- Ghanem Ghubash
- Starring
- Saga Alyasery / Ana Druzhynina / Mohammad Abu Diak
- Music
- Tabraiz Haroon / Zeeshan Tahir / Jaxx Monteath
- Editing
- Nina Sargsyan
- Released
- 2013 · 04 · Gulf Film Festival
- Runtime
- 10 minutes
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Language
- English / Arabic
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The film is set during the end of the world, where three friends struggle to survive in Dubai. They search for shelter in an empty city devastated by two suns on the horizon. The film was entirely shot outdoors during the peak summer months in Dubai to achieve the desired effect created by natural sunlight and extreme heat. Some crew members were hospitalized due to heat stroke.
Reader's Guide
The Sons of Two Suns holds significance as the first science fiction film from the United Arab Emirates, marking a milestone in the country's cinematic history. Its production, shot entirely outdoors in Dubai's peak summer heat, was physically demanding, with crew members hospitalized. The film's trailer premiered at the Middle East Film and Comic Con Dubai, and it was released at the Gulf Film Festival, with its US premiere at the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival. Critical reception from io9, Vice, and Virgin.com noted the film's use of Dubai's landscape to depict a city dying of heat, with Vice highlighting that the film serves as a reminder that Dubai itself is not science fiction. The film's legacy lies in its pioneering role in Emirati genre filmmaking and its stark portrayal of environmental collapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Sons of Two Suns?
It is a post-apocalyptic science fiction short film originating from the United Arab Emirates, directed by S. A. Zaidi and produced by Ghanem Ghubash. The story is set in a world defined by the presence of two suns.
Why is The Sons of Two Suns considered a landmark in Emirati cinema?
The short holds the distinction of being the very first science fiction film ever made in the UAE. Its release opened the door for speculative and genre storytelling within Emirati filmmaking.
Who directed and produced The Sons of Two Suns?
S. A. Zaidi served as the director, while Ghanem Ghubash handled production on the project. Both are credited as the key creative forces behind the short.
What genre does The Sons of Two Suns belong to?
The film is classified as post-apocalyptic science fiction. Its narrative premise revolves around a world shaped by two suns, placing it firmly in the speculative-fiction tradition.
Is The Sons of Two Suns a full-length feature film?
No, it is a short film rather than a feature-length production. Despite its brief runtime, it is widely noted for being the UAE's inaugural sci-fi short.
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