Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) was honoured to attend the exclusive Red Carpet Premiere of BAAB, the latest feature film by acclaimed Emirati director Nayla Al Khaja, on Wednesday, 7 January, at Vox Cinema, Wafi City, Dubai.
Dr Kathleen Bell, along with SPAA students and alumni, represented the academy at the event. Dr Bell served as the faculty liaison and coordinator, playing a key role in bridging SPAA and Nayla Films and ensuring meaningful student involvement in this landmark cinematic project.
About the Film
Produced by Sultan Saeed Al Darmaki and supported by the UAE Ministry of Culture’s National Grant Programme for Culture and Creativity, BAAB is a female-led psychological drama written, directed, and produced by Nayla Al Khaja.
Set against the remote mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, the film explores the inner world of a woman grappling with the loss of her twin sister. As memories resurface, the boundary between imagination and reality begins to dissolve, creating a deeply immersive and sensory portrayal of grief. The film’s original score is composed by two-time Academy Award winner A.R. Rahman, marking his first-ever composition for an Arabic-language film.
SPAA’s Contribution
SPAA students played a significant role in the making of BAAB, with 38 students involved in the production during filming last February.
Two Production Arts students completed professional internships on the project:
- Nada Agwa (Class of 2025), who served as a scenic artist
- Inass Redouane, who worked as a costume assistant, contributing to the film’s cultural authenticity
In addition, 36 SPAA students appeared on screen as dancers, drummers, and hair dancers, showcasing the academy’s diverse performance talent.