Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning filmmaker David Darg, known for Body Team Twelve and You Cannot Kill David Arquette, will direct The Desert Beyond. This new Emirati drama draws inspiration from the real-life story of Nora Al Matrooshi, the first Arab woman to qualify as an astronaut.
The Plot
The film follows Maryam, a young Emirati engineer who dreams of space travel. She enters a national competition to become the country’s first female astronaut. As she moves through the selection process, she faces pressure from her community, struggles with self-doubt, and wrestles with her family’s legacy. In time, she learns that success may depend not only on ambition but also on lessons from the past.
Production and Creative Team
Filming will take place in Dubai and across the UAE. The Dubai Films and Games Commission is supporting the project. Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak, founder of Naiy Production House, serves as executive producer. Her company focuses on stories that drive social change.
Carla DiBello, who previously worked with Darg on Maskoon, will produce the film through her UAE-based company Arabia Plus. She is joined by Stephen Strachan, an award-winning producer known for Scales and How I Got There. He will produce under his company Globa 3.
Themes and Vision
Al Mubarak describes the film as a celebration of transformation—personal, national, and generational. “It’s about honoring our heritage as we take bold steps toward the future,” she explains. DiBello adds, “We’re bringing a female-driven story from the Arab world to a global audience. It shows women breaking barriers and redefining leadership in the Middle East.”
Release and Distribution
Casting will begin soon. Capstone Pictures will handle global sales. Front Row Filmed Entertainment will manage distribution across the Middle East and North Africa. The film will premiere in theaters and later stream internationally.
Conclusion
The Desert Beyond blends heritage, ambition, and emotional depth. With a compelling story and a strong production team, it is set to become one of the most anticipated films from the Arab world. This is a story of courage, identity, and the future of women in science.
