Emirati brothers Ahmed Al Zaabi and Jumma Ibrahim Al Zaabi have had a life-changing moment since they stepped in front of the camera for Saaed Salmeen Al Murry's celebrated film 'Going to Heaven'.

The boys, who have no previous acting experience, were "shocked, but pleasantly surprised" when they found out that they were playing best friends in the film.

Emirates 24|7 caught up with the boys and quizzed them about how life has changed since their big movie debut.

Here are excerpts from our chat.

Q: What were your first thoughts of turning a movie star?

Jumaa: When they gave me this role I thought it was just a minor acting role and didn’t expect it to be a big deal at all. So I was shocked but pleasantly surprised when I found out it was for cinema.

Q. How did your family react?

Jumaa: My family is very supportive and didn’t stop me or my brother from this opportunity.

Q. Did you ever wish to act in a movie?

Jumaa: We both entered the world of acting by coincidence. It was director Saeed who discovered my acting talents after I went to the shooting site to check out how my brother Ahmed was doing. He then decided that I perfectly fit Sultan’s role.

Ahmed: I got the role through a friend who had originally been selected by director Saeed. He wanted to meet me and test my acting potential which ended in me being selected for Saud’s role.

Q. I hear you did workshops before the actual filming started. How was that experience?

Jumaa: The experience was incredible, especially since our director went out of his way to train us. He had put in so much to make us ready for the role to the extent that by the end of the film, we felt part of a family.

Q. How challenging was your first shot?

Ahmed: The first shot was very challenging to the extent that I had a black out and we had to stop. Director Saeed, had an uplifting chat with me that helped me get through.

Q. What would you say was your most difficult shot?

Jumma: The hardest scenes were when we were shooting outside in Fujairah in the middle of the summer. Not only did we have to remember our lines but we had to look natural in the 50 degree heat.

Q. How many days did you shoot? Did it impact your school work?

Ahmed: Luckily, the shoot of ‘Going to Heaven’ happened during our summer vacation so we didn’t have to skip school. But my mother always ensured we balanced work and our studies.

Q. What’s the best compliment you got since?

Ahmed: Nothing is at the top of my mind specifically, but I love how people are congratulating us on this movie and encouraging us to continue acting.

Q. Did you watch the movie? How did you feel when seeing yourself on the big screen?

Ahmed: Yes we have seen the film at both premieres and felt very proud. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw myself on-screen.

Q. What kind of movies do you like, and who is your favourite actor?

Ahmed: I particularly like horror movies but don’t have a favourite actor.

Q. Seeing you boys on the big screen, how did your family and friends react?

Ahmed: Everyone was so shocked when they saw our acting. My mother couldn’t be happier while my friends have given me the nickname, “The Celebrity!”

Q. Do you feel like a star? Has anyone taken a selfie/autograph?

Ahmed: Yes sometimes, but it makes me stress out a little bit at the thought of it so I convince myself that I’m not.

Q. So, does this mean more movies? Or, is it back to school?

Ahmed: Not at the moment, as we are keen to focus on studies.