Emirati documentary 'LUMINOUS - Noor' launched to highlight stories of success of people of determination

Abu Dhabi: The Emirati documentary LUMINOUS - Noor, produced by FilmGate with the support of the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, has been launched in Abu Dhabi in the presence of officials, film and drama industry figures, and representatives of Emirati and Arab media outlets. The documentary highlights the UAE’s experience in empowering People of Determination and creating a supportive environment that strengthens their participation across various fields. It conveys a humanitarian message that difference can be a source of strength and creativity, and that the right opportunities can turn ambition into achievement. The Authority’s support reflects its commitment to enabling talented People of Determination to participate in creative fields and providing platforms through which they can express their skills and share their talents with the wider community. The Zayed Authority for People of Determination also works to use the arts as a means of empowerment and inclusion, while highlighting inspiring success stories and providing rehabilitation and training programmes that develop skills and reinforce investment in people as a national priority. Filmed and produced entirely in Abu Dhabi, the documentary follows the personal and professional journeys of three Emirati People of Determination, highlighting the challenges they faced and how they transformed their passions into pathways to success. The production was driven by the belief that every person has a story worth telling and that People of Determination have ambitions that deserve to be brought into the spotlight. Picture credit: WAM LUMINOUS - Noor focuses on determination, creativity and overcoming challenges, while underscoring the importance of expanding opportunities in the creative and artistic sectors. The film follows Noura Al Blooshi, a person with a physical disability who works as a Senior Social Media Editor at Abu Dhabi Media, tracing her professional journey and efforts to build her career with confidence while overcoming conventional perceptions. It also features pianist Ahmed Al Hashemi, a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder, exploring his relationship with music and how his passion became a source of strength and inspiration. The documentary further presents the story of media professional and filmmaker Al Dana Al Hashemi, a person with a visual disability, showing how she has used the camera as a means of expressing her vision and creating meaningful impact. Emirati filmmaker Mansoor Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri produced and filmed the documentary, reflecting FilmGate’s vision of creating new opportunities for talented People of Determination in the creative and film industries. Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Dhaheri said the documentary goes beyond presenting individual stories by encouraging reflection on the importance of empowering People of Determination through practical experiences that allow them to express their abilities and further develop their skills. He added that the production was driven by the belief that every person has a story worth telling and that People of Determination have ambitions that deserve to be brought into the spotlight. Al Dhaheri said the objective was to present the protagonists through their abilities and passions rather than focusing solely on challenges, expressing hope that the documentary would open new opportunities for talented People of Determination and encourage institutions and filmmakers to invest in their potential. The documentary’s protagonists, speaking to WAM, expressed appreciation for the support provided by government and private-sector entities in creating opportunities for their empowerment and development. They also praised the encouragement they receive from the community, stressing that such support motivates them to continue pursuing their ambitions and expressing their determination.