Dubai: Acclaimed Emirati filmmaker Nahla Al-Fahd has announced that she is in the final stages of completing her latest documentary film, Voice of the Waves, which is set to participate in local, Gulf, and international film festivals before its theatrical release later this year.

The documentary, described as the first of its kind by an Emirati female filmmaker to be shot in the Indian Ocean, explores the lives of women working in the fishing industry under challenging environmental and social conditions. Filmed across two coastal regions—Rameshwaram in India and Jaffna in Sri Lanka—the project presents powerful stories of resilience, survival, and determination.

Speaking about the film, Al-Fahd said it offers a realistic portrayal of women who have lost their husbands or have become the sole providers for their families. “For these women, the sea is not merely a workplace or a source of livelihood; it is a refuge, a protector, and a symbol of continuity,” she said.

The documentary follows two groups of women united by their struggle and hope despite facing daily hardships. In India, the film focuses on Rani and four other women who continue to brave environmental disasters and dangerous working conditions while supporting their families. In Sri Lanka, it documents the experiences of five women from the Jaffna region who face poverty, loss, and instability, highlighting the shared challenges of women fisherfolk across different cultures and borders.

Al-Fahd noted that although the landscapes of India and Sri Lanka differ significantly, the ocean remains a common thread connecting the women’s lives and experiences. “These women navigate the waves while also navigating personal loss and hardship. The sea remains their constant companion throughout their journey,” she explained.

To bring authenticity and depth to the project, Al-Fahd collaborated with UAE-based filmmaker and researcher Gibben Jose as co-director. The documentary also features the expertise of renowned cinematographer Sunil, known for his work on The Goat Life (Aadujeevitham), alongside award-winning documentary filmmaker Dr. Rajesh James.

Featuring breathtaking visuals of the Indian Ocean captured across different seasons, Voice of the Waves combines extensive research with immersive cinematography to showcase both the beauty and unpredictability of the marine environment.

According to Al-Fahd, the documentary goes beyond documenting a profession. It explores the psychological, social, and environmental dimensions of women’s lives in the fishing industry, balancing the harsh realities they face with the stunning natural beauty that surrounds them.

With its powerful human stories and striking visuals, Voice of the Waves is expected to further strengthen the presence of Emirati documentary cinema on the international stage while shedding light on the resilience of women living and working along the shores of the Indian Ocean.