A gripping tale of family, betrayal and the unseen forces that lurk beneath, HOBA becomes the first Emirati Arabic-language feature in the Spooky Pictures- Image Nation slate

Genre powerhouse Spooky Pictures and Image Nation Abu Dhabi, the Academy Award-winning film and entertainment studio, have unveiled their next psychological horror-thriller HOBA; a haunting new feature by critically acclaimed Emirati filmmaker Majid Al Ansari (Zinzana, Paranormal).

As the first Arabic-language Emirati film under the Spooky Pictures-Image Nation slate, HOBA marks a significant step forward for regional genre storytelling. The film is set for release in the UAE on October 30.

HOBA tells the story of a devoted wife and mother whose life begins to unravel when her husband returns home with a second wife and an unseen darkness infiltrates her home.

Ben Ross, CEO of Image Nation, said: “HOBA is a bold and compelling film that demonstrates the power of local storytelling on a global stage. We’re proud to work with Majid Al Ansari once again and to bring forward a genre film that challenges, disturbs and deeply moves.”

Steven Schneider, Co-Founder of Spooky Pictures added: “HOBA is exactly the kind of film we love to champion at Spooky Pictures – intimate, unnerving, and emotionally rich. Majid Al Ansari has crafted a story that’s both deeply rooted in its cultural context and universally haunting. We’re excited to be part of a project that pushes the boundaries of psychological horror while introducing audiences to a powerful up and coming voice in genre filmmaking.”

Starring Emirati actress Bdoor Mohammed (Blood Wedding, 25 Fils) in a commanding lead role as the first wife, Amani, the film also features Saudi artist and filmmaker Sarah Taibah (Jameel Jeddan, Night Courier) as the enigmatic second wife, Zahra. Rising talent Eman Tarik (Makr, Kaboos) portrays Amani’s vulnerable daughter, while Emirati actor Jasem AlKharraz (Zawaj Ella Roba’a, Ala Gad Alhal, Wadima and Halima) plays her father, Khalid. Together, the cast brings to life a deeply resonant story about family bonds, emotional conflict and the unseen forces that test them.

Produced by horror genre veterans Roy Lee (Barbarian, It), Steven Schneider (Insidious, Paranormal Activity), Derek Dauchy (Late Night with the Devil, The Plague) and Rami Yasin (Hokum) the film blends supernatural tension with culturally grounded storytelling, offering a uniquely regional take on universal fears. Mohamed Hefzy (Flight 404, Voy! Voy! Voy!) is Executive Producer.

HOBA marks a return to the genre for Majid Al Ansari, whose breakout debut Zinzana earned international acclaim and became the first Arab language film acquired by Netflix. Known for blending bold visual style with emotionally charged storytelling, Al Ansari continues to push boundaries in Arab cinema, offering audiences globally resonant narratives grounded in regional identity.

Majid Al Ansari, director of HOBA, added: “With HOBA, I wanted to tell a story that feels both intimate and unsettling; one that explores real emotional experiences through the lens of genre. It’s about love, fear and resilience, and what happens when the familiar turns unfamiliar, when the people we trust most begin to feel like strangers.”

Hoba is part of a slate of upcoming projects from Spooky Pictures and Image Nation including Charlie Polinger’s The Plague starring Joel Edgerton, which recently premiered in Cannes’ prestigious Un Certain Regard competition, Randall Okita’s Menace starring Isabel May, and Damian Mc Carthy’s Hokum starring Adam Scott.   

Majid Al Futtaim – Vox Independent Distribution is handling the theatrical release for UAE, with Film Clinic handling the rights for post-theatrical in MENA, and AGC International handling the rights for the rest of the world.