Old Wood – First UAE Shipbuilding Industry Documentary

Delta Production Company unveils the first documentary film about the history of the shipbuilding industry in the UAE under the name of ‘Old Wood’. The Chinese World Film Maker Tang Zhen Gang is the producer of this landmark film.

The announcement came during a press conference held at Gloria Hotel in Dubai attended by H.E Zhan Jingbao, General Counsul of the Chinese Consulate in Dubai, Mr. Juma Bin Thalith, Director of the Maritime Heritage Department at (EDA) and a number of veterans and centenarians who contributed to the shipbuilding tradition of the UAE.

‘Old Wood’ is a documentary film that highlights the history of shipbuilding, renowned shipbuilding destinations and the intensive process of turning wood and raw materials into majestic vessels.

‘Old Wood’ features interviews and talks by the most experienced ship builders in the country, providing a valuable commentary on the rich tradition of shipbuilding in the UAE.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the film, Tang Zhan Yang, the filmmaker said, “Shipbuilding embodies the cultural bridge linking the history and culture of the UAE to the present-day shipbuilding industry of China. Both the countries share a strong tradition in shipbuilding and it is this great tradition that I wanted to explore through the film, specifically how the history and identity of the UAE is shaped by the art of shipbuilding.”

Wessam Zebian the Director of ‘Old Wood’ film from Delta Production company, said, “The desire and keenness to create a film that documents the progress of shipbuilding industry through the ages required a high level of research. We are fortunate that Mr. Juma Bin Thalith, Director of the Maritime Heritage Department at (EDA) was advising us throughout the project. Mr. Thalith is a marine heritage expert, he is best informed about the cultural heritage and marine history of the UAE through is long association with the subject. We were immensely helped by the first-hand experience of Mr. Thalith as he is a deep sea diver and researcher himself.”

Another expert who worked behind the scene was Professor Agus Diagnosis who holds a doctorate degree from the University of Toronto and is renowned for his opinions and interests in Islamic culture. Agus’s particular interest in the history and heritage of the shipbuilding industry has been widely recognized and awarded.

‘Old Wood’ was shot all over the UAE and the maritime city of Tyre in Oman where dhows are still made in the present day. The documentary archives the real stages of shipbuilding through high-definition (Full HD) filming technology.

Mr. Juma Bin Thalith underlined his interest in the film, saying, “I was happy to participate in this film as I am proud of the subject, and pleased with the dedication of world filmmaker ‘Tang Zhan Yang’ as well as the director Wessam Zebian. The film documents the story of UAE’s past through its rich maritime traditions; it will be a great asset for the future generations.”

At the conclusion of the conference elderly leaders of the shipbuilding industry in the UAE were honored for their contribution towards the making of the film. Those that were acknowledged were Khalifa AL Fokai Khalifa, Ship captain, Ibrahim Al Jallaf – professor of ancient shipbuilding industry, Ali Al Shamsi, maker of merchant ships in the past, Abdullah Al Shaer, Shipbuilder, Abdullah Salman – maker of screen boats in the past.

The launch event was also attended by important personalities who have shared a long and distinguished relation with the shipbuilding practice in UAE: Samira Ghais – Director of the Sharjah Museum of Ships and Marine Life, Mohamed Al Hammadi – researcher and historian, Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman of Drydocks World and Maritime World.

As well as those who are interested in the art production field like Rania Al-Maghraby, owner and founder of ‘Show – Runner’ art production company, which has a cooperative partnership with ‘Delta Production’. The agreement will provide technical and documentary film with another reality TV in the near future.

[mappress]

Press Release, November 07, 2012