Botoula (The Championship), produced by Image Nation Abu Dhabi will premiere on free-to-air channel Quest Arabiya on March 5

Abu Dhabi, March 3, 2016: An inspiring documentary covering the rise of Jiu-Jitsu in the United Arab Emirates, produced by one of the leading media and entertainment companies in the Middle East, Image Nation, will premiere on free-to-air Arabic language channel, Quest Arabiya.

Botoula (The Championship), which will air March 5, documents the inspiring journey of young Emirati girls and boys as they battle it out through regionals to be crowned champions of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

Viewers who tune into Quest Arabiya, which broadcasts to 45 million homes in 22 countries across the MENA region, will get an unprecedented look at young Emirati fighters and their Brazilian coaches.

Roberta Ferreira, a coach at Al Reef Girls School in Abu Dhabi, said: “I’m so happy this film is bringing to light the greatness of Jiu Jitsu in this region. This film shows the fantastic Jiu-Jitsu community that is developing in the UAE – with strong and willing competitors, both male and female, who are making their parents and their country proud.

“I hope the film will continue to show the incredible effects Jiu-Jitsu is having on the youth of the UAE and inspire others to take up the sport.”

Jiu-Jitsu is fast becoming the UAE’s national sport, following an initiative developed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who hopes it will help build strength and bring patience to the youth of the country. Jiu-Jitsu is now taught in schools across the country.

“Jiu-Jitsu is a national project and is not confined to players, coaches, or even administrators. Its vision is for society to enjoy as a whole. We believe that the documentary will deliver a clear message of jiu-jitsu’s principles and values. It also reflects the importance of jiu-jitsu as a national project which draws considerable support from the government of the United Arab Emirates and its people.”

“Furthermore, we are pleased and proud to see our children perceived as heroes in such a documentary that relates their stories and shows the human aspects of jiu-jitsu”, said Abdulmunem Al Hashimi, Chairman of UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation.

Danielle Perissi, head of documentary at Image Nation, adds: “We’re proud to partner with the Jiu-Jitsu foundation on this incredible film. We already have a robust documentary film slate and we are very proud to add this local film, which is fun and informative for audiences and families across the region.”

Having recently announced the launch of its first flagship show Nabd Al Moghamara (Pulse of Adventure), Botoula adds to Quest Arabiya’s mandate of bringing fascinating stories about to region to its viewers. In line with the way all QA is presented b has been fully dubbed in arabic.

Khalid Khouri, deputy general manager of the Arabic language channel, said: “Boutularepresents a key part of what we are about at Quest Arabiya – showcasing great stories about people’s personal endeavours and achievements in a unique way, professionally dubbed in Arabic specifically for our audience.

“We’re pleased to be broadcasting the premiere of this film which depicts a fascinating side of Emirati culture and heritage.”

Botoula will air for the first time on March 5 followed by a repeat screening March 12.