Online for the first time today, this sweeping historical look at 50 years of UAE history was crafted by veteran Nexus directing duo Smith & Foulkes who found inspiration in traditional Bedouin weaving known as Al Sadu.

Smith & Foulkes: “How many times in one’s career are you asked to create a film that celebrates the history of a Nation? It was a privilege to be able to travel through the country, immersing ourselves in Emirati history and culture.

“At the heart of this story are three generations of family life, specifically chosen to show the unparalleled speed of change and the experience of living through these times. This is a unique moment in time when all three generations are still here to tell this tale.”

From the team at Nexus: “Visualised through a subtle painterly 2D aesthetic and colors reminiscent of the nation’s rich landscapes, the film blends accurate historical moments with hopeful re-imagined scenes of what life could look like in the future, with a wish for greater equality and inclusion.

“To ensure authenticity ran through every detail, the directors worked closely with an all-female team of Emirate archivists who were consulted on creative decisions every step of the way.

“Dreaming Together was shown on an impressive 8K, 24-meter screen at the Pearl Theatre as the centerpiece of the UAE Pavilion, which was built bespoke for the event.”
 

 
Client: Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation for World Expo 2020 Dubai
Archival research: Lest We Forget (UAE)

Agency: KDJ Tellart Productions
Producer: Olivier Klonhammer
Writer/CD: Tellart (NL) + Kossmanndejong (NL)
Brand strategy: SY Partners

Production: Nexus Studios
Director: Smith & Foulkes
Producer: Tracey Cooper
Production Manager: Edith Chappey
Studio CG Lead: Nico Domerego
Art Director: Callum Strachan
Storyboards: Gabriel Schucan
Character Designer: Sukanto Debnath, Melanie Climent
3D Generalist: Jonathan Vuillemin
3D/2D Generalist: Laura Quinn
Rigger: Lea Georges
Lead 2D Animator: Bishoy Gendi
2D Animator: Sim Marriott, Hozen Britto, Peter Dodd, Marylou Mao, Conor Ryan
2D Clean Up Artist: Giacomo Autili, Rebecca Perrone, Joe Cheng, Chiara Sgatti, Sasha Balan, Judit Boor, Joanna Boyle, Andreia Serrano
VFX Artist: Paul Cousins
Lead Compositor: Jesse Richards
Compositor: Adriano Vessichelli, Bethany Levy, Guillaume Cassuto, Daniele Baiardini
Editor: David Slade

Musical: Matthew Herbert
Sound Design: Resonate