Noor Al-Nasr
THE PEARL
GUEST PROJECT / In partnership with Doha Film Institute
When a tech-obsessed Qatari boy is thrust back into a time when modern technology doesn’t exist, he must navigate a world where pearl diving is the centre of culture, commerce, and family.
SYNOPSIS
In a world where digital connection often leads to real-world disconnection, THE PEARL is a powerful coming-of-age story about rediscovering the value of family, tradition, and human connection. Khalid, a fourteen-year-old, tech-obsessed Qatari teenager, takes his family—particularly his grandfather—for granted. Perpetually glued to his phone, he fails to notice his younger sister struggling in the water while they are at the beach. His attempt to save her is seemingly unsuccessful, and he is mysteriously rescued—not by lifeguards, but by a crew of Qatari pearl divers in colonial Doha in 1930. Stranded in the past, with no access to the technology he so heavily relies on, Khalid must adapt to a world where survival depends on human connection, resilience, and trust. Taken under the wing of a pearling captain, Khalid learns the value of community, the hardships of that bygone era, and the power of face-to-face relationships. But when the captain’s family faces financial ruin, Khalid realises that only his modern knowledge can help them. In proving himself, Khalid ultimately earns his way back home—forever changed, with a newfound appreciation for his heritage, his family, and the wisdom of his grandfather.
DIRECTOR
Noor Al-Nasr
PRODUCERS
Poppy Clinton, Jamie Riordan
PRODUCTION COMPANY
The Edge
COUNTRIES
Qatar
Noor Al-Nasr
Noor Al-Nasr is a graphic designer, writer, and filmmaker with a deep passion for storytelling through the visual arts. Her work spans multiple creative disciplines, with a particular focus on the moving image. Three of Al-Nasr’s short films have been featured at the Ajyal Film Festival (in 2014, 2016, and 2017), and two were selected for the Festival de Cannes Film, showcasing her talent on both regional and international stages. She is currently developing her first feature-length film, bringing her unique artistic vision to a larger cinematic canvas.
THE PEARL is a timely reflection of today’s world, in which youth are more immersed in their screens than in the world around them. As Qatar emerges as a global destination, its cultural identity faces new challenges, particularly between generations. Before technology reshaped our lives, we lived in a simpler time when moments were truly experienced and human connections thrived. My generation relied on imagination to fill our childhoods and is likely the last to grow up without the constant presence of technology. It is disheartening to see the next generation growing up in a world in which human interaction is increasingly replaced by digital convenience. This story is inspired by my grandfather, who was a pearling captain. I never had the chance to meet him, as he passed away before I was born. Growing up, however, I heard stories about his life. I found myself wondering: What if my grandfather had the opportunity to meet my younger brother, who lives in such a different world?
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
Poppy Clinton
Poppy Clinton, an award-winning producer and General Manager and Head of Production of The Edge, an international film production company based in Qatar, has a track record of delivering high-quality, long-format productions on time and on budget. Her extensive credits include the $1 million pilot episode of a Turkish drama, a $4 million, eight-week shoot for a Qatar destination film, and numerous short films and art projects that have garnered critical acclaim on the festival circuit and won multiple international awards.
Jamie Riordan
Jamie Riordan first came to Qatar with the Doha Tribeca Film Festival and spent several years working with the Doha Film Institute before becoming a founding member of The Edge’s Qatar office. As Executive Producer, Jamie oversees the company’s film productions and has collaborated extensively with Poppy Clinton on both short- and long-form projects.
PRODUCER’S STATEMENT
Noor Al-Nasr approached us in 2022 with her script for SANAD and we immediately hit it off. From that moment on, we have worked together very closely on developing the project through preproduction, recces and casting. Together with my colleague Jamie Riordan, Executive Producer at The Edge, we shot SANAD in March 2023 and took it to the Doha Film Institute’s Made in Qatar series in 2023. For me, the relationship with the director is key: if the chemistry is there, then the collaboration process comes very naturally and pretty soon it is almost possible to communicate without words, with just a look, or just by understanding how the other person thinks and feels creatively during the process. For me, the first thing is to read the script; if I believe in it and click with the director, then I will take a project forward. Thisis what happened with Noor.
Production company profile
The Edge is a world-class film and TVC production company with offices in London, Doha, Riyadh, and South Africa. Supported by its head office in London as needed, the company is one of the world’s leading production houses, with thirty-four years of experience, producing up to 600 films every year around the globe. The Edge’s team of seventy-five filmmakers loves conceiving and producing the very best films and TVCs for its clients, made up of world-famous brands, corporations, and governments. The Edge is enthusiastic about the Doha Film Institute’s remit, and supports local film directors in Qatar by producing their short and feature-length films.
Where are we at?
TOTAL ESTIMATED BUDGET
1.275.000 €
FINANCES PENDING
680.000 €
FINANCING IN PLACE
595.000 €
Production timeline
3 YEAR TIMELINE / 2025
Development and funding
SEPTEMBER 2026
Shooting (30 days)
2027
Post-production