Louvre Abu Dhabi. Photo: Courtesy of Mohamed Somji
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is releasing its first short film this month, in honor of the museum‘s third anniversary. Entitled The Pulse of Time, the short film will explore the history of human creation, taking viewers on a tour of the museum’s collective artworks. The first short film produced by the Abu Dhabi museum will be released on Wednesday November 11, the day which marks the third anniversary of its opening.
The poster for short film ‘The Pulse of Time’ for Louvre Abu Dhabi. Photo: Courtesy of Louvre Abu Dhabi
The 40-minute visual piece will see viewers through 12 of the museum’s galleries, showcasing a selection of 15 iconic artworks while sharing tales of cultural connections along the way. Mohamed Somji, from the Dubai creative studio Seeing Things, has directed the cinematic piece. The audiovisual experience is available in Arabic, French, and English with acclaimed British actor and director Charles Dance narrating the film in English. The 74-year-old actor is best known for his portrayal of Tywin Lannister in the hugely successful fantasy-drama series Game of Thrones, and is often recognized for his distinctive English tone, which is sure to add to the immersive experience of The Pulse of Time.
British actor Charles Dance will narrate the English version of The Pulse of Time for Louvre Abu Dhabi. Photo: Shutterstock
Emirati actor and TV presenter Saoud Al Kaabi narrates the Arabic version of the film while French-Swiss actor Irene Jacob narrates it in French. The film’s script was developed by French author and playwright Stephane Michaka, with French singer-songwriter Jonathan Morali composing the film’s original score. Award-winning producers Alexandre Plank and Antoine Richard were commissioned for the development of the film’s sound.
Emirati actor and TV presenter Saoud Al Kaabi narrates the Arabic version of The Pulse of Time for Louvre Abu Dhabi. Photo: Instagram/ @saoudalkaabi
“This immersive digital experience encapsulates the current moment as the museum reflects on its third anniversary,” said Manuel Rabate, director of Louvre Abu Dhabi. “The film animates the galleries and objects on view, for an awakening of the imagination that audiences may experience from anywhere in the world.”
The director of the Louvre Abu Dhabi explained that the short film marks an exciting new era for cultural creations, developing original digital commissions alongside the more traditional, physical exhibitions with the film’s “languages and collaborators represent the museum space itself as a crossroads for intercultural connection”.
The ‘Bodhisattva’ sculpture from the Gandhara region, present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan (100 -300 CE) will feature in The Pulse of Time. Photo: Courtesy of Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Pulse of Time will offer viewers a poetic and magical experience with the narration of the stories from some of the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s most extraordinary masterpieces, including cultural wonders like the Bodhisattva (100-300) sculpture which was created in the Gandhara region (present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan).
The Pulse of Time will premiere this Wednesday, November 11 on YouTube and will be available to stream for free on Louvre Abu Dhabi’s website from Thursday, November 12. For more information on The Pulse of Time visit the louvreabudhabi.ae.
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