Under the Patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Hend Faisal Al Qassemi, the second instalment to the independent short film ‘The Peril’ was launched at the Novo Cinemas in Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai. Carrying a strong social message about raising parental awareness of online safety for children, the movie is produced and starred in by Zenofer Fathima.

Adding dimension to the movie and giving the audience a stronger sense of realism is a documentary about internet safety, which was also shown during the event. Likewise, a brainchild of Zenofer, it focuses on views and opinions from experts, and includes interviews with high-profile personalities on how child internet safety has become a paramount concern. Digital technology continues to play a central role in the lives of many of today’s kids. The internet, social media and online games increasingly occupy much of children’s time and energy, therefore influencing how they engage with their physical and social surroundings. This trend makes online access for most children less supervised and monitored, potentially increasing the risks and dangers.

“’The Peril’ is a parental wake-up call, reminding us on the threats lurking the digital world.  While there is no doubt that the internet holds great promise as a wonderful resource for children, we cannot deny the fact that with the benefits are accompanying dangers, especially when internet is not used responsibly.  Children are easily exposed to online predators, cyber-bullying and life-threatening online games. Experts also agree that over-exposure to technology can lead to more serious repercussions including adverse effects on the child’s physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing. This is evident with the current Blue Whale Challenge crisis, which unfortunately has claimed lives across the world,” Zenofer said.

Centre- Zenofer Fathima, with Her Highness Sheikha Hend Al Qassemi.

Zenofer, committed to her cause of promoting knowledge and critical dialogue about pervading social issues through her film projects, added that The Peril was instigated by her own personal experience.  She explained that she found it lamentable to always see families on their day out with each member immersed in their own world using gadgets rather than enjoying their quality time together.

“These gadgets have minimized the extent to which we interact with our families, and I also found out about how technology has caused behavioural changes in children.  It immediately struck me that I should be making parents and the public aware of such issues, so that we can somehow prevent more serious consequences from happening,” commented Zenofer, who is also CEO and Fonder for ZEN Productions.

The exclusive premiere of the 15-minute indie film was attended by Her Highness Sheikha Hend Faisal Al Qassemi, as well as a number of high-profile personalities among them Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman, Danube Group, Anis Sajan, Managing Director, Danube Group, and Dr. Alka Kalra, Academic Director of the Eduscan Group.

In ‘The Peril 2’, the mother is now involved in the story, where she takes on the challenge of addressing the mental and emotional distress her daughter is experiencing, caused by the child’s unmonitored online interaction.