A Bahraini short horror film inspired by traditional cupping therapy is set to make the rounds on the independent festival circuit.
HAJAM follows a group of teenagers who dare one of their friends to enter an abandoned house and retrieve something from inside. What begins as a simple challenge between friends soon takes a terrifying and unexpected turn.
The horror-thriller film was written and directed by Hamad Abdulla and stars local actors Jamaan Alrowaiei, Saleem Dalloul and Faisal Buarki.
Filming was carried out entirely in the kingdom with locally based professionals, and the film is currently in the final stages of editing and post-production.
As it nears completion, Mr Abdulla revealed that the film is set to begin its journey through local and international film festivals.
“The film started with a simple idea that came from curiosity and a desire to explore and experiment,” he said.
“I wrote the idea and began developing it, and from the beginning I received a great deal of encouragement from friends, people close to me, and those working within the creative industry.
“That encouraged me to continue developing it. I really enjoyed working on this film, and I hope audiences enjoy experiencing it as much as I enjoyed making it.
“The production also aims to highlight local talent and showcase the filmmaking capabilities available in the kingdom, particularly within genres that remain relatively underexplored locally, such as horror and thriller.”
Mr Abdulla
The film draws inspiration from Hijama, or traditional cupping therapy, and reimagines it through a cinematic blend of horror, mystery and suspense.
Although developed as a short film, its concept and world have been created with the potential to expand in the future into a larger project, whether as a feature film or a series.
“HAJAM forms part of a wider direction towards creating Bahraini films capable of reaching audiences both locally and internationally,” said Mr Abdulla.
“It is important to diversify the types of films being produced rather than limiting the industry to conventional dramatic formats.
“Greater variety can help develop the market while creating new creative and commercial opportunities for filmmakers and content creators in Bahrain and across the region.”
The actors have also expressed their excitement at being part of this film and are looking forward to its release.
According to Mr Alrowaiei, HAJAM presents a story that is different from what he usually does.
“The character I play is unlike any role I have previously portrayed,” he said.
“The project comes at a time when horror content is gaining increasing attention across both film and television.”
Meanwhile, Mr Dalloul said that he was very eager to see the final result.
“I gave this film my best, especially as it was my first cinematic experience,” he said.
“It was an honour to work with such a professional team, and I believe we have created something strong and distinctive.
I’m looking forward to audiences experiencing it.”
Hijama is among the leading alternative medicine services offered at various centres.
It involves an old traditional practice of placing cups made of glass, bamboo, or other materials on specific areas of the body to treat different conditions. The cups create a suction effect to help treat inflammation, increase blood circulation, relieve pain, while also being described as a form of massage therapy.
Wet cupping involves making small cuts in the skin and using suction to draw blood from the affected area. In dry cupping, a plastic or glass cup is placed on the skin before the air inside is suctioned or vacuumed out.
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