S. A. Zaidi

S. A. Zaidi
Born
United Arab Emirates

S. A. Zaidi is a Dubai-based film director in the United Arab Emirates.[1][2] He is best known for the first Arab science fiction film Aerials, and the Emirati post-apocalyptic science fiction film The Sons of Two Suns.[3][4][5]

Early life and career

S. A. Zaidi was born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, but is originally from Pakistan.[1][6] His father Dr. Syed Azhar Ali Zaidi, is a prominent Urdu literature pioneer.[7][8][9]

His first film The Sons of Two Suns,[2][10] premiered at Gulf Film Festival, Dubai International Film Festival and had its US premiere at Boston Science Fiction Film Festival[11]

In 2016 S. A. Zaidi released his film Aerials in cinemas across the United Arab Emirates. It was recognized as the first science fiction film in the Middle East.[3][12][1]

He founded the company Fat Brothers Films together with Emirati film producer Ghanem Ghubash.[13][1]

Filmography

Year Film Role Genre Notes
2013 The Sons of Two Suns Director and Writer Science Fiction Short Film
2016 Aerials Director and Writer Science Fiction Feature Film

References

  1. ^ a b c d "UAE science fiction film 'Aerials' to release". gulfnews.com.
  2. ^ a b Young, Sarah. "Spaceships for sci-fi enthusiasts". Khaleej Times.
  3. ^ a b "Aerial assault: new Emirati sci-fi drama invades cinemas". The National.
  4. ^ "12 Emirati films over 12 years". gulfnews.com.
  5. ^ ""أيريالز" يُدخل السينما الإماراتية عصر الخيال العلمي - البيان". www.albayan.ae.
  6. ^ "Pakistani filmmaker directs UAE's first-ever sci-fi film - the Express Tribune". Archived from the original on 2016-06-17.
  7. ^ Qudoos, M. a. "Top names at Urdu poetry session today". Khaleej Times.
  8. ^ "Comic Urdu poetry session on November 9". gulfnews.com.
  9. ^ Haziq, Saman. "Urdu poetry set to enthrall Sharjah International Book Fair crowd". Khaleej Times.
  10. ^ "Gulf Film Festival 2013: Dubai gets the post-apocalyptic treatment". The National.
  11. ^ "Boston Science Fiction Film Festival 2014 - Pelham, NH". www.americantowns.com.
  12. ^ Jalal, Maán. "These Guys Know Their Aliens". Khaleej Times.
  13. ^ "Homegrown Aliens". BroadcastPro ME. Retrieved 2019-11-27.