UAE film 'Mountain Boy' raises autism awareness through Emirati storytelling

Mountain Boy, an Emirati movie based on a young boy with autism, is making waves in theatres across the UAE for blending cultural richness, emotional depth, and social relevance. Backed by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission and produced by Desert Rose Films in collaboration with Fujairah Films, this poignant feature debuted in cinemas across the UAE and GCC on April 17.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Fujairah mountains and the tranquil landscapes of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, Mountain Boy follows the moving journey of Suhail, a young Emirati boy with autism who flees his home in search of acceptance and family. Inspired by the novel The boy who knew the mountains by Dr Michele Ziolkowski, the film is a beautifully layered narrative about identity, resilience, and the unspoken power of community.

Already decorated with 22 international awards and filmed entirely within the UAE, Mountain Boy is more than a cinematic achievement — it is a heartfelt tribute to the UAE’s people, places, and evolving creative spirit.
What makes Mountain Boy truly extraordinary isn’t just its touching story or breathtaking visuals — it’s the powerful female force behind it. This landmark film is the collective vision of four remarkable women, each bringing their truths, challenges, and passions into the process.

Mothers rise to the occasion

Dr Michele Ziolkowski, archaeologist, author, and mother to Suhail — the real-life inspiration of Mountain Boy — first gave life to this narrative in her children’s book The boy who knew the mountains. Her son, who found peace and clarity in nature, especially the Fujairah mountains, inspired a fictional world that mirrored his own.

Crucially, Michele insisted the role of Suhail be played by a child on the autism spectrum. “Autism varies greatly from person to person. Our goal was to portray it with nuance, truth, and love. I hope this story teaches audiences that a little kindness and understanding can create a more inclusive world.”

Zainab Shaheen, Michelle Ziolkowski and Sohail

Nancy Paton, producer, writer, and founder of Desert Rose Films, transformed Michele’s book into the screenplay and soul of Mountain Boy. For Nancy, this project wasn’t just professional — it was profoundly personal.

“For a long time, I didn’t talk about my son’s autism. We supported him as a family, quietly, adapting to his sensitivities — loud noises, routines, textures. But when I heard the book being read aloud and saw kids reacting the same way my son did, I cried. I realised I wanted people to understand his kind of autism — ASD-1, high IQ, deeply perceptive,” Nancy says.

The film became a journey of acceptance. It led Nancy to pursue an official diagnosis at Aviv Clinics in Dubai, where she gained insight into her son’s needs and strengths. “This film helped me find my voice as a mother. It helped me tell his story, and, in turn, mine.”

Hind Almessabi, the mother of Naser Salah, the autistic boy who plays the film’s lead, was understandably hesitant at first. “At the audition, Naser performed the role so naturally that Nancy immediately said, ‘he’s the one.’ I was worried about the filming process, but they reassured me with a support plan, including a behavioural therapist and family presence on set.”

Nancy’s creative philosophy shaped the film’s production: “We didn’t want Naser to ‘act’, we wanted him to be. There was always a balance. We’d explain what we hoped to capture, but then we’d follow his lead. It wasn’t about moulding him to fit the film — it was about letting the film fit him.”
Filming wasn’t without its challenges. “Naser has trouble with speech and unfamiliar environments. But the team was incredibly accommodating. His sister even acted alongside him to keep him comfortable. Scenes were adjusted to protect him, and the crew was loving and patient throughout.”

Nancy Paton with her family during Abu Dhabi premiere of Mountain Boy

For director Zainab Shaheen, Mountain Boy marked her first feature — but one that demanded empathy, sensitivity, and deep listening. “The story moved me instantly. It wasn’t just a script — it was a living truth,” Zainab says. “I prepared by listening — really listening — to the families, especially to those who live with autism every day. That shaped everything.”
To capture Naser’s sensory experience, Zainab relied heavily on sound and visual storytelling. “We crafted soundscapes to mirror how overwhelming the world can be. Visually, we focused on textures, light, the small things Suhail would notice. We wanted the audience to feel what he feels.”
Working with Nancy, Michele, and Naser’s family was a profound experience. “It wasn’t just about telling a story about them. It was about telling it with them. That collaboration brought so much honesty and depth.”

An all-women production team

With a 70 per cent female crew and 32 Emiratis among the cast and crew, Mountain Boy stands as a beacon of gender equity in film.

“I wanted a woman director,” Nancy emphasises. “Michele started this as a mother, I continued it as a mother, and I wanted a woman to complete it. We needed a nurturing eye — one that could hold the emotional weight of the story. And Zainab delivered.”

Beyond creative goals, Nancy wanted to break barriers in an industry that still doesn’t fully represent women. “We need more women telling stories, holding cameras, leading teams. Inclusion should be behind the camera too.”

International glory

Mountain Boy has already captivated audiences worldwide, earning acclaim across 38 international film festivals and collecting 22 prestigious awards. Highlights include Best Young Actor and Best Cinematography at the Chelsea Film Festival in New York, Best Feature Film at both the San Luis Obispo and Seattle Children’s Festivals, and Best Director at the Touchstone Independent Film Festival in the US.

Its UAE premieres were equally unforgettable. In Cinema City Abu Dhabi, Naser was celebrated with a Best Young Actor award. And in a landmark moment at Real Cinemas, Dubai Mall, Mountain Boy made history as the first autism-themed film to be screened at the region’s only autism-certified cinema.

Hind Almessabi with her family and Naser Saleh, lead actor of Mountain Boy

“Having Naser, Suhail, and students from the Rising Sun Centre for Special Needs all together — that was the dream. And my rescue dog, Lassie, who stars in the film, even walked the red carpet. It brought a message of inclusion — from humans to animals,” says Nancy.
“Suhail wasn’t fond of the red carpet — it was loud and overwhelming. But when the film started, he lit up and loved every moment of it,” Michele says. “Hearing Naser speak Suhail’s words was unforgettable. This story came full circle. Suhail even has a cameo with his father, Sheikh Suhail bin Abdullah Al Sharqi, in the film.”

For Hind, the message of Mountain Boy is clear: “Children with autism deserve to be part of the community. They have unique strengths. All they need is understanding and support. This film proves they can do incredible things.”