Stage set for Abu Dhabi People of Determination drama series

A new drama series is being produced following a deal between the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) and FilmGate Productions.

The two entities have formed a committee of experts to drive the project forward.

Abu Dhabi-based FilmGate came up with the idea in line with its commitment to provide opportunities for people of all ages, genders, nationalities and abilities to showcase their creative talents. 

People of Determination will write, act, film and produce the series.

A call for writers has already received a large response on social media. Within five days, the invitation had received more than 300 submissions from around the world, including people from almost every Arab nation, as well as India, Indonesia, and Brazil.

Through careful filtering and verification, the committee narrowed the list down to 35 submissions, and they will be whittled down to a final shortlist.

The writers, who will be based both inside and outside of the UAE, will work together using virtual platforms for writing workshops, with close supervision from professionals on the FilmGate team.

Casting for actors and other production staff is expected to begin soon.

The announcement will take place on the official ZHO and FilmGate Instagram channels.

Successful candidates located outside the UAE will be flown in by FilmGate.

Abdullah Abdulalee Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of the ZHO, said, "We are proud to support such a unique project, which will shed the light on the important role and incredible talents of people of determination, both locally and globally. The benefits to people of determination of active involvement and participation in the creative arts are extensive."

FilmGate Productions and Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination #ZHO signed an #MoU to work together launching a drama series made entirely by People of Determination towards. pic.twitter.com/LYj348syn4

— هيئة زايد لأصحاب الهمم Zayed Authority (@zhoCare) December 5, 2020