Jordanian film director Zaid Abu Hamdan will premiere his new crime thriller "Boomah" at the 2026 Shanghai International Film Festival [1].
The selection underscores the growing role of the Shanghai festival as a strategic launchpad for Arab cinema in Asia. By showcasing stories from the Middle East to a global audience, the event helps bridge cultural gaps and expands the international reach of Jordanian filmmakers.
Also referred to as "The Owl," the film is a gritty feature that explores the Arab underworld [2]. This project follows Abu Hamdan's previous work, the drama "Daughters of Abdulrahman," which focused on female empowerment [1]. Industry reports said "Boomah" is the second feature film directed by Abu Hamdan [2].
Principal photography for the production took place in Jordan [2]. The film maintains Abu Hamdan's thematic interest in female empowerment while shifting the tone toward the thriller genre [1]. The production aims to blend regional authenticity with the high-tension elements of a crime narrative.
The world premiere is slated for later this year during the 2026 festival cycle in Shanghai, China [1]. This appearance marks a significant step in the distribution strategy for the film, targeting a diverse international audience before a wider release.
“"Boomah" is the second feature film directed by Zaid Abu Hamdan.”
The premiere of 'Boomah' in Shanghai signals a shift in how Middle Eastern cinema is exported, moving beyond traditional European festivals to target East Asian markets. By pairing a crime-thriller narrative with themes of empowerment, Abu Hamdan is positioning Jordanian cinema to compete in global genre markets while maintaining regional cultural specificity.
