Going to Heaven directed by award-winning director Saeed Salmeen Al Murry

Abu Dhabi, Nov 15, 2015: Image Nation Abu Dhabi, one of the leading media and entertainment companies in the Middle East, has agreed to co-produce the Emirati film Going to Heaven in post-production.

Directed by Saeed Salmeen Al Murry, who won an award for Best Director at Dubai International Film Festival in 2008, and produced by Amer Al Murry, the film tells the story of Sultan, an 11-year-old boy, who is longing for the tenderness of his late yet ever-present grandmother. Sultan likes to keep coloured fish as they help him to escape the loneliness and suffering inflicted on him by his stepmother.

Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of Image Nation said: “Going to Heaven is a great example of what we endeavor to achieve at Image Nation – supporting young actors, filmmakers and producers in the UAE to help make their dream careers become a reality.”

“This partnership further strengthens Image Nation’s commitment to create a burgeoning film industry in the region.”

Saeed Salmeen Al Murry added: “I couldn’t have asked to partner with a better company to finish our film. I greatly appreciate that Image Nation is a UAE company that goes out of its way to support local films. I look forward to collaborating with them in future endeavors.”

Going to Heaven was filmed across the UAE – in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah and Dubai – and stars two young Emirati actors. This will be the acting debut for 14-year-old Ahmed Ibrahim Al Zaabi and 12-year-old Jumma Ibrahim Al Zaabi.

Michael Garin, CEO of Image Nation, said: “Saeed Salmeen Al Murry is a fantastic filmmaker and we are proud to be supporting him through the final stages of his film. This is a great production and we’re excited for UAE and international audiences to see it.”

Going to Heaven adds to Image Nation’s impressive local slate which currently includes Emirati psychological thriller Zinzana, set for release this December, and Ali Mostafa’s third feature film Worthy, which wrapped principle photography in September.

Going to Heaven will be released theatrically in 2016.