Emirati influencer Jamila Al-Blooshi stars in a film directed by Kozhikode native Sherin Paul
Dubai,TNM:The vast deserts of the UAE hold countless stories of dreams, perseverance, heritage and transformation. One such story has now found its way to audiences around the world through Between Sand and Skyline, an Arabic short film directed by Kozhikode-born filmmaker Sherin Paul and headlined by Emirati social media influencer Jamila Alblooshi. The 12-minute short film beautifully weaves together themes of Emirati culture, family values, women’s empowerment and identity, while also standing as a symbol of the strong bond between the Emirati and Malayali communities. Since its release, the film has been screened on several international online platforms and has earned recognition at film festivals across the globe.
A Journey Back to One’s Roots
At the heart of Between Sand and Skyline is the story of a successful young Emirati woman who appears to have achieved everything she dreamed of. Yet, despite reaching great heights, she feels a sense of emptiness within.Driven by a desire to reconnect with herself, she embarks on a journey back to her roots—revisiting childhood memories, familiar pathways and the nurturing presence of her grandmother. As she retraces the footsteps of her past, she rediscovers not only her heritage but also her true identity. “This film is a tribute to the Emirati women who dreamed amidst the desert and laid the foundations for the future of our nation,” says Jamila Alblooshi. . “I am proud to be Emirati, and the UAE is not only my homeland but also my greatest source of inspiration.”
From Emirati Women’s Day to the Big Screen
The idea for Between Sand and Skyline originated from a short film concept developed in connection with Emirati Women’s Day. With the support of colleague Jamila Alblooshi, the concept gradually evolved into a fully realised cinematic project. According to director Sherin Paul, the story resonated deeply because of the cultural similarities between Emiratis and Malayalis.“Both communities place immense value on family bonds and respect for elders. Those shared values made the spirit of the story instantly relatable,” she says.A native of Chevayur in Kozhikode, Sherin studied at Presentation School, Silver Hills Higher Secondary School, Kozhikode Christian College and St. Joseph’s College, Devagiri. A former Fine Arts Secretary during her college years, she nurtured a passion for cinema from an early age. After spending more than a decade in the UAE, she took her first major step into filmmaking through this project. Sherin wrote the story, screenplay and directed the film. She also composed the promotional song. Veteran actress Waheeda Aziz portrayed the grandmother, while Jamila Alblooshi’s daughters, Aisha Hussain and Sarah Hussain, appeared in supporting roles.
Recognition on the International Festival Circuit
Filmed against the picturesque backdrops of the Masafi Al Taybah Heritage Museum, Al Qudra Desert Camp and Bur Dubai Museum, the short film was released on the occasion of UAE National Day 2025. The film subsequently gained attention at several international film festivals. In 2026, Sherin Paul received the Best Debut Director Award at the MEI International Film Festival in Chennai. Jamila Alblooshi. was honoured with the Best Actress Award at the Bollywood International Film Awards. The film also secured the Special Jury Award at the Mumbai International Film Awards and an Honorable Mention at the Indo-Dubai International Film Festival, among other accolades.
A Shared Dream Beyond Borders
Beyond its artistic success, the film has strengthened cultural ties between the Emirati and Malayali communities. Jamila Alblooshi revealed that visiting Kerala remains one of the destinations on her personal bucket list. Having heard numerous stories about the state from her Malayali colleagues, she hopes to experience its culture and natural beauty firsthand in the near future. Reflecting on the collaboration, she noted that there were no cultural barriers during the making of the film.“Though our languages were different, our hearts spoke the same language. Sherin Paul is a passionate and dedicated filmmaker, and I look forward to creating more stories together that showcase the heritage and culture of the UAE to the world,” she says. A moving tale that stretches from the golden sands of the desert to the towering skylines of modern cities, Between Sand and Skyline is ultimately a story about identity, memory, heritage and dreams—one that continues to touch audiences far beyond the borders of the UAE.
