Mohammed Rashed Buali, a top Bahrain film director, shot important scenes for his new film with a Bahrain-based cast at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel last weekend.

Renowned actor Jamaan Al Rowaie, joined the cast and crew on location at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel for the film The Sleeping Tree, produced by Nooran Pictures and the Information Affairs Authority (IAA) and written by Fareed Ramadan.

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.

Through his taxi rides across the island, Jamaan Al Rowaie’s character – Jassim, will question his worldview based on his interaction with the foreign guests and the differences in outlook. Memories of his once close relationship with his brother will be brought to the fore as he takes the tourists to some of their once-favourite retreats.

“We’re extremely grateful to the management of the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel for their support and cooperation in the making of The Sleeping Tree. Led by our Tunisian Director of Photography, Mohamed Maghraoui, the crew visited the hotel and the staff accommodated all requests,” said Buali.

“We’re happy to play a supportive role in this important feature film,’ added Mamdouh El Gohary, the deputy general manager of the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel.

“Shooting took place both within the hotel and its Chinese restaurant, Soie, which form a backdrop for key scenes in the film. We feel that our hotel fits well within the story of the Sleeping Tree as a hotel which for decades represented an important landmark for Bahrain residents and visitors.”

Supported by the Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) and Moirai Communications and also sponsored by The House of Travel, The Sleeping Tree is the first feature film produced in partnership between Nooran Pictures and the IAA. – TradeArabia News Service