Being the ‘first ever’ in any category is impressive in of itself, but carrying the torch for female filmmakers in one of the most rapidly growing countries on the planet is next level. Nayla Al Khaja debuted her feature film, Three, at the Red Sea Film Festival last autumn, which is also the first UAE film to have a world premiere at a major film festival. Born in the UAE and educated in Canada, her films Animal and The Shadow were acquired by Netflix, and Three will continue its release across world cinemas this month, on June 14.
ESQ: You are the first female filmmaker in the UAE – how does it feel to make history but also carry the weight on your shoulders?
Nayla Al Khaja: Being a female director in the Arab film industry comes with various challenges, from stereotypes to limited representation. However, I see these challenges as opportunities for change. By breaking barriers and choosing stories that amplify less-heard voices, my goal is to contribute to a more inclusive cinematic landscape. Through storytelling, I hope to inspire others and make a path for a new generation of female directors, promoting diversity and empowerment in the Arab film industry.
ESQ: What movies did you have access to growing up, and what were some of your earliest film inspirations? Both directors, actors, and writers?
Nayla Al Khaja: Ismël Ferroukhi’s The Grand Voyage and Karim Traïdia’s Polish Bride both resonate with me due to their raw, realistic approach that feels intimately connected to life and sensitive to emotions. I am also a big fan of Polanski’s early work.
ESQ: Talk me through picking up your first camera – digital or film – and what was the first thing you shot? Had you written a script and did you have actors, or was it a home video of your family having dinner?
Nayla Al Khaja: When I was a kid, I grew up watching films. They intrigued me, seeing someone move, sing, and talk on the screen. My dad had a big collection of beta-max films and while he was away I would put one of the films on and watch the film. I would stop watching and return the tape before he noticed anything out of the ordinary. Why did I do this? I wanted to absorb everything there was to know about films and in my childhood mind I would not stop and discover everything to know about films and making movies. It’s fascinating how stories would be told. This eventually led me to pursue my career in making films. A notable film was shot on 8mm, Sweet 16. It is a film that my sister was in it. It was a story scraped from the passion of telling my story through the camera lens.
ESQ: Have you faced any resistance being a female filmmaker, or what has the response been?
Nayla Al Khaja: My journey has been marked by unique challenges that I’ve navigated with resilience. The initial inspiration to pursue a career in film directing stemmed from a profound passion for storytelling through the cinematic lens. Witnessing the transformative power of films in shaping narratives and perspectives ignited my creative journey. I had challenges with family but overcame them with persistence.
As I trace my path in the Arab world, it becomes evident that my filmmaking endeavors are fueled by a commitment to addressing social issues. Three, a representation of my cultural narrative, reflects this dedication. The selection of themes in my body of work is driven by a desire to shed light on societal dynamics, often choosing subjects that might otherwise go unnoticed such as coming of age, child abuse, dysfunctional families, teenage pressures, etc..
The challenges faced by a female director in the Arab industry are varied, from stereotypes to limited representation. However, my approach involves embracing these challenges as opportunities for change.
ESQ: What stories, and what genres, are you most interested in?
Nayla Al Khaja: Thrillers, psychological dramas, and horror.
ESQ: If you could have dinner with any director, living or dead, who would you want to a) just spend time with and talk to? b) who do you think you’d learn the most from?
Nayla Al Khaja: A dinner with Guillermo del Toro would be captivating due to his unparalleled imagination and visionary storytelling abilities. Del Toro is renowned for his unique blend of fantasy, horror, and folklore, evident in masterpieces like Pan’s Labyrinth. Engaging in conversation with him would offer a glimpse into the creative mind behind some of cinema’s most visually stunning and emotionally resonant works. Beyond his cinematic achievements, del Toro’s passion for art, literature, and mythology could spark thought-provoking discussions about the intersection of imagination and reality…What a dream that would be!
ESQ: What advice do you have for the next generation of female filmmakers?
Nayla Al Khaja: I always tell people, to do what they like the most. Do what makes you happy and fulfilled, the journey may not be easy, it could be challenging but the outcome should be your accomplishment. To take the journey of fulfillment is taking the first step. Be patient and keep pursuing what you love. I heard from the grapevine that patience is not about waiting, rather it’s not about giving up your goal. It took me 20+ years to make my first feature film and I didn’t stop even in the face of adversity I didn’t give up. Have a good support system, strong foundation, and team to back you. For aspiring women filmmakers, my advice is to persevere and embrace the unique perspective they bring to storytelling. Seek out mentorship, build a supportive network, and don’t be afraid to challenge conventions. Embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth, and let your passion for storytelling drive you forward. By amplifying your voice and staying true to your vision, you contribute not only to your success but also to the broader transformation of the industry. To all the female filmmakers out there, you can do it, we can do it, there are a lot of creative people out there, and you can be one of them. A practical advice would be to volunteer on film sets! It has been one of the pillars of shaping my mind and learning from the best, and I still regularly volunteer today.
