Dubai: Some of the UAE’s most important stories live quietly in family homes, passed down through conversations, photographs and memories, until someone decides to preserve them.
For 20-year-old Emirati filmmaker Noor Al Qasimi, that someone was her. As a third-year film student in Sharjah, she has decided to document the life of her grandmother, Sheikha Nama bint Majid Al Qasimi, the first female teacher from the United Arab Emirates, for a university assignment. She never expected the documentary “The First” to strike such a chord with the audience.
Framed as a letter from a granddaughter to her grandmother, the documentary chronicles the life and legacy of the woman who helped shape the nation’s early education system. More than a historical account, it was her personal tribute to her grandmother who opened the doors for generations of Emirati women to come.
The film recently won Best Emirati Film at the 12th Emirates Film Festival held on July 26 and has also been recognized at the Dubai City Film Festival and the Manheim Arts and Film Festival.
However, for Al Qasim, the biggest achievement is not the awards. It is known that one of the women who helped shape the future of the United Arab Emirates will not be forgotten and that her story may inspire others to preserve heritage hidden within their families.
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Rooted in the family
Growing up, Al Qasimi always knew that her grandmother made history. However, like many grandchildren, she has considered it simply as family.
“I grew up knowing that my grandmother had achieved something historically important, but to me, she was always just my grandmother,” Al Qasimi told Gulf News.
This perspective changed as she grew up.
“As I grew older, I began to understand the courage it took for her to become the first female teacher from the UAE at a time when women had far fewer opportunities.
The more she reflected on her grandmother’s achievements, the more she felt a responsibility to preserve her history, not only for the family, but also for the United Arab Emirates.
Discovering myself
Making The First became an emotional journey that reshaped her understanding of both her grandmother and herself.
“To me, she was more than just my grandmother; she inspires me every day,” Al Qasimi said.
During the research and filming, she discovered the depth of her grandmother’s resilience.
“I learned more about her strength, her determination, and the sacrifices she made to create opportunities for the generations that came after her.”
The documentary has also helped Al Qasim appreciate the power of filmmaking.
“I realized that making films could be a way for me to preserve my memory, understand my identity and connect more deeply with the place I come from.”
Al Qasimi added, “The film began as a portrait of my grandmother, but it also became a personal journey to understand my place within her legacy.”
Saving stories
Al Qasim’s work is shaped by recurring themes of memory, family, identity and Emirati heritage. She believes that family histories can disappear over time if they are not recorded.
“Memory can be fragile, especially within families, and stories can easily disappear when they are not documented,” Al Qasimi said.
Although her films have been deeply rooted in Emirati culture, their emotional core can resonate with audiences everywhere.
“Most people understand what it means to miss someone, to hold onto memories of their family, or to wonder where they belong. I want my work to show that culturally specific stories can still create very human and emotional connections.”
The first of the United Arab Emirates
Winning the awards has only strengthened Al Qasim’s desire to continue telling stories that might otherwise be lost.
According to her, there are still many untold stories across Emirati families and communities, especially those of women, older generations and individuals whose contributions helped shape the nation.
“I want to create a place centered around the ‘firsts’ of the UAE, the pioneers who were the first to break into their fields, defy expectations and open doors for future generations,” said Al Qasimi.
For him, these films have been more than celebratory achievements.
“There are so many important individuals whose stories are in danger of being forgotten, and I want to preserve their legacy through film.”
A story worth telling
Despite the success of “The First”, Al Qasimi still considers herself a student, learning with each project.
“The first started as a university assignment to create a documentary and I never imagined it would go on to receive awards and connect with audiences in the UAE and internationally,” Al Qasimi said.
Now, she has advised other aspiring filmmakers to stop waiting for the “right” moment and just get started.
“A story doesn’t have to be big or complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes the story closest to you is the one worth telling.”
She has encouraged Emirati filmmakers to explore stories within their own families and communities, while reminding foreign filmmakers that the UAE’s diverse society also offers countless stories worth documenting, with honesty, curiosity and respect.
