Documentary Filmmaking
Long-form stories about people, craft, and place. From The Shipmaker to your project.
Documentary is the form I keep coming back to. I produce documentaries from research through post — for brands, foundations, cultural institutions, and independent commissioners. My documentary The Shipmaker is a recent example of the kind of work I do.
What I deliver
- Feature-length film with broadcast or streaming-ready masters
- Trailer and 30/60/90-second cuts for distribution
- Behind-the-scenes content and stills
- Translated subtitle files (EN/AR)
- Limited usage rights as scoped
How it works
Step 1
Research & development
Subject research, access negotiation, treatment, and budget. Often the longest phase.
Step 2
Production
Field shooting, interviews, observational footage. Crew sized to story.
Step 3
Post-production
Editing, colour, sound design, music, and titling. Multiple cuts and review rounds.
Step 4
Distribution support
Festival submissions, broadcaster delivery, social-cut versions for your channels.
Investment
Each project is scoped to your needs. Get in touch via the form below for a tailored quote within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How long do documentaries take?
Documentary production timelines range from a few weeks to several months depending on project requirements and shooting locations.
Do you work with NGOs and cultural foundations?
Yes. I have flexible pricing for mission-aligned projects and cultural commissions.
Can you handle Arabic-language interviews?
Yes — I conduct interviews in Arabic or English and deliver bilingual subtitled cuts.
What documentaries have you produced?
My most recent is “The Shipmaker,” a documentary about traditional wooden dhow construction on the Arabian coast, filmed entirely on Nikon ZR cameras in 2026. It is the kind of long-form storytelling I focus on — patient observation, technical craft, and deep respect for the subject. Earlier work spans cultural heritage, craft, and personal-story documentaries across the Gulf.
How are documentaries typically funded in the Gulf?
Common funding paths include cultural foundation grants (Sharjah Art Foundation, Dubai Culture, Royal Commission for AlUla, MISK), brand sponsorships for relevant subject matter, international co-production partnerships with European broadcasters, and increasingly direct commissions from streaming platforms expanding into MENA. I can advise on which path fits your project and help structure the pitch.
Can you handle restricted-access subjects or remote locations?
Yes. I have filmed across the Empty Quarter, the Hajar Mountains, deep desert regions, and inside cultural and craft workshops that do not normally allow outside filmmakers. Access negotiation is part of the development phase — usually it takes weeks of conversations and relationship-building before any camera goes up.
Let’s talk
Tell me about your project. I’ll come back within 24 hours.