- HOBA, a psychological horror-thriller by Majid Al Ansari, is now showing in UAE cinemas.
- The film won Best Picture in the Horror Feature category at Fantastic Fest 2025 in Austin, Texas.
- The plot explores the chilling fallout after a husband takes a second wife, as an unseen force takes hold of the home.
- The production is the first Arabic-language film from the Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Spooky Pictures partnership.
A groundbreaking moment for Emirati cinema has arrived. HOBA (The Vile), the first-ever Arabic-language horror and psychological thriller produced under the collaboration between Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Spooky Pictures, is now showing in cinemas across the UAE. Directed by acclaimed Emirati filmmaker Majid Al Ansari, HOBA is not just a film; it is an emotionally intense and thought-provoking thriller that is set to redefine the boundaries of regional genre cinema.
HOBA is more than a jump-scare fest; it’s a deep, unsettling examination of family breakdown, with the horror elements amplifying the raw, human emotion. Set entirely within an Emirati household in Abu Dhabi, the film tells the haunting story of Amani (Bdoor Mohammed), whose life is upended when her husband introduces a second wife, Zahra (Sarah Taibah).
What begins as domestic drama quickly spirals into a chilling exploration of love, fear, and survival, particularly as an unseen force starts to take hold of their home. Al Ansari’s masterful direction ensures the psychological tension is palpable, using the claustrophobia of the home and subtle supernatural hints to mirror the emotional distress experienced by the wives.
Reviews from its world premiere at Fantastic Fest 2025 in Austin, Texas, where it won Best Picture in the Horror Feature category, praised its authenticity. The film uses the complex reality of polygamy and social expectation as the chilling gateway to its terror, a sophisticated approach that resonates deeply.
HOBA represents a significant milestone, showcasing Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a creative hub for international and regional cinema.
- Global Producers: The film is backed by powerhouse Hollywood producers like Roy Lee and Steven Schneider, bringing Hollywood craft to the Arabic-language genre.
- Local Talent: Starring a compelling cast including Bdoor Mohammed, Sarah Taibah, and Eman Tarik, the production highlights the depth of Emirati storytelling and regional talent.
The film, which was filmed entirely in Abu Dhabi with the support of twofour54, proves that Emirati filmmaking can hold its own on the global stage. Following its UAE theatrical release (distributed by Majid Al Futtaim), HOBA will also make its way to Saudi Arabia, expanding its cultural footprint across the GCC.
HOBA is a bold, visually captivating thriller that marks the beginning of a thrilling new era for Arabic-language genre cinema. Prepare to be mesmerized and suitably terrified by this emotionally intense story.
Watch the trailer and secure your tickets at hobafilm.com today.
