HOBA: Emirati Horror-Thriller By Majid Al Ansari To Premiere At Fantastic Fest 2025. Watch Trailer

Image Nation Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Spooky Pictures, has announced the debut of "HOBA," a psychological horror-thriller directed by the renowned Emirati filmmaker Majid Al Ansari. The film is set to premiere at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, this September.

This unveiling at Fantastic Fest underscores the festival's reputation as a leading venue for films that challenge conventional storytelling and push the boundaries of cinema. Audiences in the UAE and beyond can anticipate a deeply engaging film that combines emotional depth with suspenseful horror, marking a significant entry in the region's cinematic landscape.

"HOBA" represents a significant milestone as it is the first film in Arabic from the Emirati region to be featured by Image Nation and Spooky Pictures. It narrates the chilling tale of Amani, portrayed by Emirati actress Bdoor Mohammed, who faces a crumbling reality when her husband introduces a second wife, Zahra, into their lives, played by Saudi filmmaker and artist Sarah Taibah.

In addition to the compelling storyline, the cast includes Eman Tarik as Amani's daughter, Noor, and Jasem AlKharraz in the role of her father, Khalid. The production team is bolstered by the expertise of producers Roy Lee, Steven Schneider, Derek Dauchy, and Rami Yasin, alongside executive producers Mohamed Hefzy and Yasir Al Yasiri, ensuring a high-quality cinematic experience.

After its world premiere at Fantastic Fest, the film is scheduled for release in UAE cinemas on October 30, 2025. This premiere is part of a broader showcase, as Image Nation Abu Dhabi has two other projects set for screening at the festival. These include the North American premiere of "The Plague" and the world premiere of "V/H/S Halloween," a new installment in the cult-genre film franchise, under its partnership with Spooky Pictures.