Leading actor and director, Jamaan Al Rowaie, has been signed up to play the lead role in Bahraini feature film, 'The Sleeping Tree.'

Produced by Nooran Pictures and the Information Affairs Authority (IAA), The Sleeping Tree was written by Fareed Ramadan and will be directed by Mohammed Rashed Buali. Filming is scheduled to begin later this month.

A passionate actor, Al Rowaie began his journey with the moving image by studying theatre studies in the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts in Kuwait followed by study in the heart of the Arab world’s film industry, Cairo at its Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts, Arts Academy.

He skyrocketed to fame in 1998 with the screening of the popular Arabic television series, Saadoon.

Today, with over 20 different TV series, theatrical participations and films to his name, Al Rowaie has also directed a number of television series in Kuwait, the UAE and Bahrain as well as for Bahrain Television programming.

Describing his upcoming involvement in the Bahrain work, he commented, ‘I am excited about my involvement in The Sleeping Tree and the opportunity of working on a feature film with so much local talent.’

He added, ‘The Sleeping Tree examines community and familial challenges, which are often neglected in the common perception of Bahrain and the Gulf region. I hope international audiences will see a different side to my country.’

Set within the environs of a contemporary Bahraini home, The Sleeping Tree, reveals the tensions within a family broken by their daughter’s illness.

Yet, just when the parents have despaired of all hope, a series of coincidences leading to the local landmark, the Tree of Life, rebuild the couple’s faith in life and change. At the same time, truths are unchanging and the family must accept their realities, he noted.

Film director, Mohammed Rashed Buali, reflecting on the film and involvement of Al Rowaie, said, "Jamaan’s participation is both a personal encouragement and an illustration of his belief in new and young talent. I am certain that cast and crew will learn so much from his vast skills and expertise."

Supported by the Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) and Moirai Communications, The Sleeping Tree is the first feature film produced in partnership between Nooran Pictures and the IAA.

The Bahraini duo, Mohammed Rashed Buali and Fareed Ramadan, have worked together in the past on award-winning short films including Al Bishara, or The Good Omen. In addition, each has a string of films and international awards obtained for different ventures in the film industry.

The writer of the two most important Bahraini feature films, “A Bahraini tale” (2006) and “Visitor” (2004), currently Ramadan is overseeing the pre-production stages of a number of other film scripts which he has developed for international directors from Palestine and the UAE.

Buali’s work has also taken him to world audiences and in 2012 he was selected as one of the 24 most promising Asian directors amongst 233 put forward for participation in the Busan International Film Festival. Similarly, he was selected by the British Council as the winner of 2012 Young Creative Entrepreneur Award (YCE).-TradeArabia News Service