Nancy Paton Storyteller: Bringing Mountain Boy to Life Through Real Stories

Staying True to a Mission of Inclusion Through Desert Rose Films

As a storyteller, I, Nancy Paton, have spent the past decade building Desert Rose Films with a clear goal: creating inclusive stories that celebrate the strength of the human spirit. My first film, Daisy, cast a real girl, Maisie, who lived with Epidermolysis Bullosa. Instead of hiring a trained actor, I gave Maisie the chance to represent herself. That decision firmly shaped my commitment to authentic storytelling. I realized that genuine emotional connection grows from lived experience, not from performances based solely on technique. By showing real faces behind often-invisible struggles, I helped audiences open their hearts and build deeper empathy worldwide.

Moreover, the more I worked with real individuals, the more I understood the depth that authentic stories can reach. Every project taught me something new about resilience, hope, and humanity. True storytelling, I discovered, doesn’t just reflect life; it transforms the way we see others. It bridges gaps, builds compassion, and reminds us that we are all connected through shared experiences.

Thus, this mission continues to guide every project I create. Now, a decade later, Mountain Boy proudly carries that legacy forward. Through this new project, I reaffirm that authentic inclusion remains essential for sparking meaningful social change.

Casting with Purpose: From Daisy to Mountain Boy in Inclusive Storytelling

Nasser Almessabi portraying Suhail in Mountain Boy

In Mountain Boy, Nasser Almessabi, a young man with autism, plays the central character, Suhail. Staying true to my values, I chose Nasser not for acting experience, but because his story needed to be told. When I met him at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Special Education, I immediately recognized the honesty, spirit, and resilience he could bring to the role. I never wanted someone to “act” autism. Instead, I wanted someone from the community to represent himself authentically.

From the very beginning, Nasser brought a sense of honesty that uplifted everyone around him. Furthermore, his enthusiasm and trust pushed us to build a more supportive and collaborative set. Every day with him reinforced the beauty of offering opportunities where none existed before. His presence made the production not just about storytelling but about growth, empowerment, and meaningful representation.

Although Nasser had no acting background, I provided him the tools, guidance, and encouragement he needed. Through trust and patience, he didn’t just play Suhail—he embodied him. His lived experiences formed the emotional heart of the film. They added a richness that no scripted performance could replicate. As a result, Nasser discovered new strengths, inspiring both the audience and every member of our team. His courageous portrayal invites viewers across the world to connect with a profoundly real story.

From Classroom to Global Film Festivals

Nasser’s journey began in a classroom and grew onto the global stage. Mountain Boy screened at 39 international film festivals, where audiences everywhere celebrated his deeply moving performance. His presence brought genuine representation to the neurodivergent community. It offered a rare and powerful glimpse into real, lived experiences often missing from mainstream media.

In addition, as we traveled to each festival, the overwhelming reaction reminded us why authentic voices matter so deeply. Watching Nasser interact with audiences, answering questions and sharing his journey, showed how powerful real representation can be. His confidence grew with each step forward, inspiring countless people to reimagine what inclusion looks like. The conversations that sparked after each screening proved that true stories create true change.

Every festival honored his growth. Indeed, true talent often needs only a chance to shine. Watching him evolve from first-time actor into a global film lead proved that with the right support, people can exceed every expectation. Through Nasser’s journey, Mountain Boy demonstrates how authentic stories break barriers and create emotional resonance across cultures.

Creating a Safe Space for Creativity in Real-Life Storytelling

Creating Mountain Boy demanded more than thoughtful casting. It required building an environment based on trust, dignity, and mutual respect. I organized special screenings for schoolchildren to help them connect with the film’s message. Throughout filming, I made sure every actor, crew member, and participant felt safe, encouraged, and respected.

Additionally, we engaged families and educators, ensuring they felt a part of the filmmaking journey. Crew workshops focused on neurodiversity awareness, setting a tone of compassion across departments. Everyone worked together, learning from one another and creating an environment where creativity flourished naturally. By valuing every voice on set, we made the production a true celebration of collaboration and inclusion.

I believe creativity thrives where individuals feel valued. When people know they are seen and heard, they bring their best, most authentic selves to the work. Consequently, by nurturing an atmosphere of trust and empathy, we created a film that reflected the rich diversity of everyone involved. This helped the story reach audiences on a much deeper, more meaningful level.

Storytelling with Impact: The Heart of Desert Rose Films and True Resilience

For me, storytelling is more than writing scripts or directing films. It reflects a deep commitment to amplifying voices too often left unheard. Whether sharing Maisie’s journey in Daisy or Nasser’s in Mountain Boy, every project shines a light on inclusion, resilience, and the beauty of the human spirit.

Storytelling, therefore, has the potential to heal wounds, build bridges, and create bonds where divisions once stood. It becomes a mirror, allowing society to see those who have long been pushed aside. At Desert Rose Films, every story we share aims to celebrate not only survival but triumph. Our goal is always to elevate, inspire, and spark new conversations that continue long after the credits roll.

Each film proves that offering people space to share their truths transforms storytelling. The impact touches not just audiences but everyone involved in the creative process.

Looking Ahead with Heart: Continuing the Journey of Inclusive Storytelling

As Desert Rose Films celebrates its 10th anniversary, I feel immense pride reflecting on our journey. Mountain Boy is not just another film. It continues the purpose I started with Daisy—a lasting commitment to platforming real experiences and unheard voices.

We are entering a new era where stories must include every voice to be complete. Furthermore, I am more determined than ever to push for bold, inclusive narratives that celebrate humanity in all its forms. With every project, we will seek to challenge outdated norms and foster greater understanding. Our work at Desert Rose Films will always stand rooted in love, courage, and the power of truth.

Today, I remain even more determined to create films that connect, uplift, and unite people across cultures.

Being a storyteller is more than a title. In fact, it is a promise: to seek out unseen voices, to challenge old perceptions, and to inspire compassion through every frame. With each project, I hope to transform hearts, expand minds, and make the world a little kinder—one true story at a time.