AUS students and alumni work on the production of Ali Mostafa’s City of Life: Continuum

Students and alumni from American University of Sharjah’s College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD), and the Department of Media Communication in the College of Arts and Sciences, recently worked on the sequel to the 2009 film City of Life. Titled City of Life: Continuum, the project is one of the UAE’s most anticipated feature films. Directed by renowned Emirati filmmaker Ali Mostafa, the production provided them with hands-on experience in professional filmmaking, allowing them to gain valuable work experience and insight into the local and regional film industry.

“We are so proud of our passionate film students and alumnae,” said Mohamed Mamdouh, Assistant Professor at the Department of Art and Design.

“What makes this story even more special is the journey that led here. Some of our students first met director Ali Mostafa and screenwriter Faisal Hashmi in the classroom, through guest lectures and events we hosted last semester,” Mamdouh said. “Seeing them graduate and step onto the film set alongside the very filmmakers who inspired them in a lecture hall is a full-circle moment. To me, it speaks to the generosity of our industry leaders, the power of mentorship and the importance of a university like ours ensuring we help to align talent and opportunity for our community. It’s awesome to have a front row seat to watch the next generation of storytellers from CAAD make their debut in the local film industry.” 

Amar: “I thought I had to pick one direction, but this experience showed me how design and film can work together.”

Amar is a visual communication student, minoring in film. On the set of City of Life: Continuum, she discovered a new space between her two creative interests, design and film, that she hadn’t fully explored before.

“As a designer and aspiring filmmaker, I thought I had to pick one direction. But this experience showed me I don’t have to choose—I can merge both,” she said. “Storytelling is powerful in any form, and film and design are more connected than I realized.”

Working on a fast-paced production helped Amar recognize the value of her training. “CAAD taught me how to think critically, manage tight deadlines and stay composed under pressure— all of which helped me contribute confidently on set,” she said.

Beyond technical skills, the experience pushed her out of her comfort zone. “I worked with people I’d never met before, took on last-minute design tasks and realized how adaptable my skills really are,” she said. “It’s made me excited to explore new creative directions that are more interdisciplinary and collaborative.”

“To other students I would say, ultimately the most powerful version of you is the one who dared to try something new.”

Ayah:  “This was the largest-scale production I’ve ever been part of.”

Ayah, a recent media communication graduate, said: “Working as a set production assistant aligned perfectly with my desire to explore different areas of filmmaking. Over two months, I supported the casting department, managed extras, and assisted both the production and assistant directing departments. I learned how directing at this scale differs from short films, particularly in terms of logistics, crew coordination and stunt execution, as there were over 100 crew members involved.”

“Back in 2017, when I was in ninth grade, my English textbook had two pages about City of Life (2009) and the director’s biography. That’s how I first learned about the film. And now, in 2025, I’m part of City of Life: Continuum as a Set Production Assistant, which is amazing.”

During her time at AUS, Ayah developed her filmmaking skills by working on multiple short films, most notably Sarkha, which she directed as part of a media communication course and which was screened at several international film festivals. She also served as stage manager for Little Shop of Horrors, a production staged through AUS’ performing arts program, which gave her valuable hands-on experience in storytelling and production. Although she wasn’t a CAAD student, she regularly sought guidance from Assistant Professor Mohamed Mamdouh, who recommended her to the City of Life production team, thereby helping her secure the opportunity to join a large-scale professional film set.

“Being part of a feature film gave me a clear understanding of how different departments coordinate and the level of planning needed to bring a script to life,” she said. “It was very different from short films, and I learned a lot by simply observing how experienced directors manage everything from stunts to timing.”

On the City of Life set, she continued to develop her understanding of stage/production management and gained insights into the behind-the-scenes complexities of working on a large production in a busy city like Dubai, including aspects of filmmaking like securing permits, coordinating with the local police forces and obtaining government approvals—all important aspects of local film production. 

She also enjoyed watching the creative process unfold: “The pacing, depth and cultural layers of each character made Faisal Hashmi’s writing stand out. Also, I loved observing how director Ali Mostafa worked with actors and made creative decisions on set. It exposed me to the thought process behind directing at this level.”

“This film sets a new standard for the local industry. It shows a raw, authentic side of Dubai that many people—even here—haven’t seen on screen before.”

Nourin: “This project has already shifted how I see myself as a filmmaker. I’m no longer just thinking about short films—I’m thinking long-term, bigger scale, wider reach.”

For alumna Nourin, who recently graduated from AUS’ Department of Media Communication at the College of Arts and Sciences, City of Life: Continuum marked both her first professional feature film experience and a major milestone in her filmmaking journey. While at AUS, she completed the Minor in Film, which is housed in the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) and includes courses offered through the Department of Media Communication. After graduating, she approached Assistant Professor Mohamed Mamdouh for professional guidance and was subsequently connected to the opportunity with City of Life.

“Being part of City of Life: Continuum is more than just a career milestone for me—it feels like a full-circle moment. I’ve always dreamt of becoming a filmmaker, and working on the sequel to a film that played such a pivotal role in the early days of Emirati cinema is incredibly meaningful. This project connects deeply with my personal vision of contributing to authentic storytelling from our region. Professionally, it was my first step into the feature film world, and I learned from industry veterans every single day. It was exactly where I wanted to be—at the intersection of culture, creativity and collaboration.”

“Professionally, I tried to absorb everything—from how a large-scale production runs to how casting decisions are made, and how every department collaborates to bring a vision to life. I was constantly observing and taking notes, and I hope to carry these lessons into my own future projects.

With a background in advertising and film, Nourin credits CAAD with helping her build a creative mindset and strong collaborative instincts. “It’s not just the technical training—it’s how to work under pressure, think critically and tell stories that resonate,” she said. “These opportunities show just how interconnected the university is with the professional world.”

“Being part of a feature film like this teaches you to dream bigger, to understand the responsibility behind storytelling. I hope this experience will guide the tone and ambition of my future work—grounded in authenticity, elevated by collaboration and driven by heart.”

“Lastly, working on this film has shown me that dreams are valid and possible. It’s proof that if you stay committed to your passion, the right opportunities will find you.”

Aligning talent with opportunity 

“For Amar, Ayah and Nourin, working on City of Life: Continuum marked an important step in their creative development. It gave them space to apply the skills learned at CAAD and gain clarity on their creative ambitions,” said Mamdouh. 

“As the region’s film and media industries continue to grow, so too do the opportunities for emerging creatives graduating from AUS and other creative schools in the region. City of Life: Continuum has been a fantastic example of what becomes possible when talent, preparation, and access come together—and when institutions like AUS help bridge the gap between education and industry. We are deeply grateful to Ali Mostafa and the entire crew behind City of Life: Continuum for helping to elevate and mentor the next generation of filmmakers and creatives.”