When documenting the history of Saudi cinema, director Hana Al Omair emerges as one of the top figures who have fought and strived to consolidate the industry. She is still forging ahead in her mission of ensuring the prosperity of filmmaking in the Kingdom, especially after her appointment as chairwoman of the Saudi Cinema Association, which is recognition of her rich experience in the domain.
Al Omair recounted to Asharq Al-Awsat her early career in journalism that she kicked off in 2006 by writing film reviews that were published in local newspapers, such as al-Watan. They would later be published by Asharq Al-Awsat and Al Riyadh.
"I started off writing about cinema and later, in 2008, I started screenwriting and in 2009, I made my first film," she recalled.
"I moved around between these two roles. I still write and direct because I believe that writing is a main pillar for me as a director," she added. "I can't imagine directing a work in which I had no part in writing or at least having had intense and long discussions with the screenwriter because sometimes there may be certain details in the script that may greatly inspire me, especially those related to better understanding the characters."
"Character-building is crucial for me in making any work," Al Omair stressed.
Asked about the Saudi cinema's shift from producing short to feature length movies, she replied: "It is a very significant phase and definitely a positive sign because we can't speak of a cinema industry in Saudi Arabia without having feature films. It is a sign that Saudi cinema is shaping its own identity."
This identity will continue to take shape with more experiences to reflect the real Saudis, she explained.
Moreover, she stressed that the current phase marks a crucial juncture in the history of Saudi cinema. She cited the emergence of new names in the sector, the growing number of support funds and the commercial success of some projects.
Al Omair hoped that more Saudi films would achieve greater success among moviegoers. This success will attract investors to the industry.
She highlighted the importance of support funds, the Red Sea International Film Festival and the Saudi Film Festival.
"I look forward to seeing mainstream and independent films representing Saudi Arabia at international festivals, because this is very important on the cultural and artistic levels," she continued.
Locally, she said the figures at the box office are "great", but moviegoers are not flocking to watch Saudi films. "We hope Saudi movies will be able to record high ticket sales because that would be a major success for all filmmakers."
On the establishment of the Saudi Cinema Association, she stated that it brings together several parties involved in the industry.
A cinema association is important because it has greater means to approach official agencies that could be concerned in setting industry regulations.
Al Omair said the Association is still in its founding phase, which will take some time to be complete. Once complete, it will announce its projects that will enrich the cinema industry.
On the role of Saudi women in filmmaking, the director said it was "important and crucial". She cited several prominent women in the field, such as Haifaa al-Mansour, who has achieved acclaim on the Arab and international scenes. Another is Shahad Ameen, whose movie was screened at the Venice Film Festival.
"Saudi women directors have always stood side by side at the top with their male counterparts," remarked Al Omair. Even though the field is dominated by men, women have a strong and influential presence.
"I believe the coming years will witness more Saudi women flocking to join this industry," she added.
Asked if she has any new projects lined up, she replied that she has two in the works. She also revealed that she was overseeing several series that will be released on the Shahid platform.
"I have one feature film that I have been working on for a while now and I hope it will see the light soon. We are still in the script writing process," she said, revealing that the movie is a book adaptation.
