• Home

UAE Student Captures BMX Thrills on Screen

DUBAI — Skidding along rough patches and jumping over unforeseen obstacles, a group of crazy stuntmen hold their audience spellbound.

While many may wonder what prompts BMX riders to be part of this extreme sport, a young Emirati student captures the spirit and zest of the game through his lens.

Twenty-one-year-old Ahmed Juma Bu Humaid, a student from Dubai Men’s College and a fervent biker, says his 16-minute documentary being premiered at the second Gulf Film Festival (GFF) today was aimed at capturing the “thrill and excitement” of the sport.

“The project has been in my mind for the past two years since I am an avid fan of the sport. I hope to spread awareness about the sport through my film,” says the young man.

Ahmed says that this is the first time that his film is being projected at such a larger scale. “Honestly speaking, I did not realise that my film would have any impact, but from the audience response, I am hopeful of making it big in the competition,” he adds.

“Documentaries are my style. I feel that I do not have to be time bound when I make them,” he says.

‘BMX in Dubai’ is in English dialogue, complete with Arabic subtitles. It sheds light on questions such as “What drives the riders of BMX bikes and prompts them to perform crazy stunts?”

“How does society — the riders’ parents, friends and family — perceive them?” The film is fast-edited, with hard cuts and some old school and classical music. It has striking visuals, amazing stunts and exciting discussions with the BMXers who answer many of these questions. “Kids do not risk their lives, but they do put their health at risk through this sport,” says Ahmed, who has produced, directed, scripted and edited the entire documentary.

“The bikers hurt themselves again and again, but they don’t give up until they learn the trick of balancing through the obstacles and performing crazy jumps,” he adds.

Ahmed says his college has been very supportive of the project and provided him with the camera and equipment.

“My family only learnt of it after my film had been selected for the competition. They are very proud of me,” says the Emirati whose documentary is competing with other graduate students from all over the GCC in the Student Competition.

He is also working on a project involving the first female horse riding team in the UAE.

Films from the Indian subcontinent as well as for children will be screened as part of GFF at the Dubai Festival City until April 15.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com