the boy inside the cocoon premieres in kuwait on january 22nd

The highly anticipated Kuwaiti psychological drama and horror film THE BOY INSIDE THE COCOON, directed by Ahmed Al Terkait, will begin its theatrical run in Kuwait on Thursday, January 22nd.

Promising a unique cinematic experience, the film is one of the most anticipated Kuwaiti productions of the year. It recently won the Best Arab Feature Fiction Award and the Best Kuwaiti Director Award at the AIU Kuwait International Film Festival 2025.

The film follows Yousef, who, after his parents' split and his sister's mysterious death, becomes engulfed in emotional detachment and loneliness. In this state, he discovers he can manifest folklore entities, easing his isolation and revealing secrets untold.

Director Ahmed Al Terkait stated, “In THE BOY INSIDE THE COCOON, I aimed to explore the depths of isolation and the strength found in confronting our darkest moments. Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Kuwaiti folklore, this film follows a young boy named Yousef as he grapples with profound loss. Through his eyes, we delve into themes of family, grief, and the quest for understanding, navigating the mystical realms that both haunt and heal.”

“The choice of themes, eras, and intertwining timelines, along with a careful selection of colors and visuals, was a deliberate effort to ensure that every element works in harmony to convey Yousef's story on a deeper psychological, horror, thriller, and emotional level. My hope is that this narrative resonates with those who have faced the shadows of solitude, offering a beacon of light found in the power of self-discovery and resilience.”

Featuring a talented cast including Zahra Alkharji, Abdullah Alturkumani, Hanan Almahdi, Abdullah Bahman, Lulwa Almulla, and Nour Alhuda, with cinematography by Ahmed Al Terkait, music by Alex Catana, costume design by Hawra’a Alshawaf, and visuals by Dennis Niko, the film combines psychological depth, folklore-inspired horror, and emotionally charged storytelling. MAD Distribution handles the film’s distribution in the Arab world, while MAD World oversees international sales.

Ahmed Al Terkait, born in Kuwait to a Kuwaiti father and Lebanese mother, was exposed to diverse cultural influences from an early age. He developed a passion for the arts as a child, particularly in music, learning to play the piano, and later expanded his pursuits to drawing before discovering filmmaking in high school. He continued his artistic journey at the American University of Kuwait, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design in 2013, and has since received recognition and several awards for his cinematic works. Specializing in psychodrama, psychological thrillers, and horror, Ahmed’s films explore the complexities of the human mind and societal issues, captivating audiences with their bold storytelling and unique psychological depth.