Sharjah 24: The documentary "Sir Bu Nu’ayr - Nature's Haven" achieved recognition in its debut receiving the prestigious Award of Excellence in the Long Documentary category at the Accolade Global Film Competition in the United States, just under three weeks after its release.
This remarkable achievement belongs to the collaborative efforts of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, and the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority. The documentary faced tough competition among a diverse range of productions, including renowned works like Malcolm Clarke's Academy Award-winning "The Lady in Number Six," Dave Bossert's Disney short film "The Tunes Behind the Toons," Ron Howard's "When You Find Me," and the highly acclaimed series "Twentysomething" by High Wire Films Australia, broadcasted on the ABC network.
"Sir Bu Nu'ayr - Nature's Haven" explores the life cycles of various organisms inhabiting Sir Bu Nu'ayr Island and its surrounding marine environment. Through its innovative approach, combining environmental awareness, artistic cinematography, and creative direction, the documentary uncovers the secrets of this unique natural reserve—a safe haven for a multitude of living creatures, including the endangered "Hawksbill Turtles."
The documentary includes interviews with a group of specialists and experts in the field of marine biology, as well as some employees and technicians working in the protected area. The filming process lasted approximately 1,000 hours, covering the island, its beaches, and the city of Sharjah. The final production resulted in a four-part documentary series, with each part meeting international standards in terms of production, direction, and editing of documentary programs. The production team, consisting of over sixty individuals, played a significant role in bringing this project to life. Notable members of the team include Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, the Director-General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, who served as the executive producer, and the British filmmaker John Martin, who directed the documentary. Ashraf Ali and Tony Dejan handled the documentary's artistic production, while Michael O'Donovan and Ross Bartley served as the directors of photography, with Kevin Smith specialising in underwater cinematography.
The Accolade competition takes place in La Jolla, San Diego, California, and was founded in 2003. It is the world's first and largest online virtual competition, honouring outstanding production companies and promising industry professionals from around the globe who achieve exceptional accomplishments in creating high-quality films and contribute to profound social change.
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