The Rules of Life., 13min., United Arab Emirates
Directed by Larry Neale
Max still lives under his parents’ roof, drifting through life with no direction. He spends his days immersed in the digital world, avoiding the real one entirely. The dreams he once chased have faded, and now he’s stuck; unmotivated, uninspired, and unsure how he got here.

https://www.instagram.com/papillonfilms20

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I had been working on a film idea in 2025 and was trying to bring a new crew together.
And then I saw Comic-Con Middle East was coming up in April 2026 and then I thought it would force me to get going. I work best when there are deadlines.
So, my motivation was to make a fun film that would have a wide appeal and at the same time see how my new crew would perform. And they were amazing.
We are already working on the next project.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

I wrote a story in 1 night, created a script in a week, and then assembled the crew.
From idea to final edit - we did it in 4 months - including Xmas.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

FUN and UNPREDICTABLE

4. What was the greatest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Time. We used an Airbnb to shot and we only have so much time to get what we need.
And with an AirBNB you dont get early access to block and plan, it all has to be done from photos and when you turn up.

5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development. Pre-Production. Production. Post-Production. Distribution.

What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?

If I was forced to choose I would say development. I enjoy the creative journey of having an idea and then bringing it to life.
I wrote and directed this, so it makes me really dig into my film head to come up with ideas.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

When i was a small kid, probably like many people. But it wasn't until much later that I found a way to do it.

7. What film have you seen the most times in your life?

Rocky 3

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with on a film?

Christopher Nolan - his films are on another level.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experience been working on the festival platform site?

As a platform its excellent - its the film festivals behind it that are often very different.
Some are professional and some I wonder if they actually exist.
I have been very happy with your festival and really like the way you approach the film maker, creating opportunities to be seen and heard. Bravo.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I'd have to say Spaghetti Bolognese

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I am working on a new script which will be shot towards the end of 2026.
With my new crew and with more time in pre-production, I think we can make something great.

The UAE indie film world is alive, its young, but there is a lot of great talent, and I am sure we will see more coming from this part of the world in the future.