My UAE: Sultan A Alshaali is on a film roll

A profile of the Emirati film-production entrepreneur Sultan A Alshaali.

Sultan A Alshaali runs the film-production company Hashtag Creations. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

He may be a high-flying chief executive in his family’s marine business, but it’s Sultan A Alshaali’s love of film production that drives his creative side.

It’s a passion that was ingrained during his childhood in Dubai.

“We grew up in a creative household where there was always an artistic activity going on,” the 31-year-old says. “I remember when we used to go on holidays, my family used to assign someone to the video camera. I always chose this, because it appealed to me more. You can capture every aspect of the story,” he says.

“My father used to watch a lot of Arabic classic cinema, old films and Egyptian plays, Kuwaiti plays, traditional works. I always found it interesting just bringing all those aspects together to give you a finished product.”

Since then, the now-married father of three has developed his passion into a hobby, one that recently attracted the attention of an American company, Simonet Productions, which his Hashtag Creations collaborated with to produce a film called ­Reprieve. It's a psychological drama based on a true story, and is due to be shown at this year's Dubai ­International Film Festival.

“Almost two years ago, when I established Hashtag Creations, I started the journey into professional video production,” ­Alshaali says. “I went to New York during the Tribeca Film Festival, and Simonet Productions was one of the production houses we met with. They wanted to see how they can develop and market [the project] internationally.”

This was the opportunity ­Alshaali was looking for: Hashtag Creations became involved in the post-production of ­Reprieve.

Alshaali, who lives in Ajman, feeds his passion in his own time, and spends up to 18 hours a week on it. He still has much he wants to do creatively. “I am working with some children on a musical we want to do. [Children’s theatre is] going to be another field worth exploring, and there are two short films I want to work on – my next project is to do a bilingual film,” he says.

What's your favourite book?

The Hobbit. It's very simple and allows your imagination to go bigger. [It's] not overly descriptive like lots of other novels are.

What's your favourite film?

An old black-and-white Japanese film called Seven Samurai, released in the early 1950s. The story is amazing. I think the director achieved a great film with a low budget. And I like the fact that it's three hours long.

Favourite travel destination?

I’ll have to say New York, because I like not having to use a car to get places. Being able to walk around the city is great. The people, the culture, the nightlife, the food – overall, it’s a nice destination.

What's your favourite music?

I have one of the most interesting, complex playlists I think in the world. You’ll find Arabic and English music; you’ll find classical and modern. I would still stick with classical music, something that can be playing in the background while a conversation is going on without interrupting it.

Who's your favourite producer and favourite actor?

George Lucas before he sold his soul to Disney, and Jack Nicholson, because it’s unbelievable how many roles he’s been in and how many personas he has played.

Who inspires you?

My father – as a self-made man who started his own global company from the ground up. He is a great example of dedication, self-motivation and determination.

Favourite food?

Steaks in general; more specifically, well-aged meat that is properly cooked.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Never give up on your dreams is the best one I’ve heard, and turning your dreams into goals is the best way to achieve them

What do you do to relax?

Swimming is one of the best things I do, along with diving and fishing. The sea is a big part of our life, being a boatbuilding family.