Al Noor stars at the International Children's Film Festival

Short film ‘Slam Downs’ puts spotlight on the lives of children with special needs

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (May 5, 2014): Slam Downs, a film  produced by Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs, in association with The Film Studio FZ-LLC was screened on 24th April at International Children’s Film Festival. The short film, which was nominated in a special category, aims to convey the key message of acknowledgment, acceptance and opportunity for children with special needs.

Based on real-life incidents and anecdotes shared by the staff and parents of Al Noor students, the movie follows the journey of two kids with special needs as they leave school and endeavour to join the mainstream society. The film portrays the excitement, apprehensions, anxieties and fears of these children. Al Noor students participated in front  of the camera and behind the camera. Children with special needs can be included in events and festivals such as these.
Interestingly, there were no professional actors involved in the movie and all the characters are played by the teachers and children of Al Noor along with their parents, friends and families.

In fact, one of the Al Noor students, Aarti Shah was part of the camera crew, reiterating yet again  that given the opportunity, children with special needs can also contribute positively to the mainstream society. Aarti Shah is one of the Al Noor trainees, who was trained to be the cameraman as it’s her hobby and she was sent to a few workshops and guided and fully supported by the Director of the movie, Deepak Jain.
“We are proud of this achievement; it goes on to show that given the opportunity children with special needs are capable of great things”, says Isphana Al Khatib,
Director, Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs.

“The work that students, teachers, parents and well-wishers of Al Noor have done in the film is incredible,” said Deepak Jain, Film & TV Director.  “One really has to see it to believe it! The journey of making this film has changed me as a person and altered my perspective of children with special needs” he adds.
The film has been produced by Al Noor in association with The Film Studio FZ-LLC and has been written and directed by Deepak Jain - Festival Director. The film's duration is 17 minutes.