ARA
Directed by PPM FIROS
QATAR · 2026 · 20 min · Experimental
Submitted to OnShow International Film Festival 2026Synopsis
ARA — Short Synopsis In a warm, enclosed chamber with no doors or windows, AQ and BQ awaken without knowing how they arrived or what exists beyond its fabric walls. While AQ quietly accepts their uncertain existence, BQ becomes desperate to escape. Their conversations explore freedom, faith, memory, life and death. As a mysterious pulse begins to shake the chamber and its walls gradually close in, BQ is forced toward a dangerous decision. ARA is a psychological and philosophical drama about two lives trapped between fear, hope and an unseen force beyond their control.
About the film
ARA — Short Synopsis In a warm, enclosed chamber with no doors or windows, AQ and BQ awaken without knowing how they arrived or what exists beyond its fabric walls. While AQ quietly accepts their uncertain existence, BQ becomes desperate to escape. Their conversations explore freedom, faith, memory, life and death. As a mysterious pulse begins to shake the chamber and its walls gradually close in, BQ is forced toward a dangerous decision. ARA is a psychological and philosophical drama about two lives trapped between fear, hope and an unseen force beyond their control.
Director
PPM Firos is an award-winning filmmaker, cinematographer, theatre artist, and the CEO of Oxygen Production W.L.L., Qatar. Firos is the concept creator, writer, screenwriter, and director of ARA, a Malayalam short film exploring life, existence, confinement, human connection, memory, and separation. Told through a restrained visual language and layered symbolism, ARA is designed to reveal deeper meanings upon a second viewing. He previously directed “Nizhalattangal” a Qatar-made film that reflects his continuing commitment to independent Malayalam cinema and meaningful storytelling. Achievements: Doha Film Institute Award Winner — Recognised for directorial excellence. Best Cinematographer Award — Qatar National Day 48-Hour Filmmaking Competition. GCC Best Actor Award, 2015 — Honoured for his performance in theatre. Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Association — Recognising his continuing involvement in theatre and the cultural arts. 27+ Years of Creative Experience — Filmmaking, cinematography, photography, corporate media, and event production. Director of Nizhalattangal — An independently produced Qatar-based Malayalam film. Writer and Director of ARA — A symbolic Malayalam short film created for festival audiences.
Film stills
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OnShow International Film Festival — Inaugural Edition · 2026