JEDDAH: Saudi Arabian filmmaker Ahd Kamel is most recognized for the movies she directed and was honored for in film festivals in the Arab world, such as “Al-Gondorji” and “Hurma.” Kamel is also an actress and writer. She excelled in her role as school principal in the movie “Wadjda,” which had international success and made it to the Oscars.
Kamel’s ambitions in filmmaking and acting know no limits. Once again, she broke out of the local context to take part in Collateral, an English series produced by Netflix, airing currently on BBC2.
In a report published in Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Kamel expressed her joy at being the first Saudi actress to take part in an English series starring the Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan. She also expressed her wishes to have cinemas in Saudi Arabia as “there are many talents in the Kingdom.”
When asked about her experience around the brightest British stars and the difference between acting in the Arab world and in Britain, Kamel said: “The difference is huge. The great thing about working in London is that they really love actors in this country; there is a lot of respect for the craft.”
Despite the fright of her first experience, Kamel admitted that TV series “are so much fun.” She said: “Living the character’s life details and being around these artists … That is such a huge thing for any actress.”
Kamel said she felt excited and nervous when she first met Collateral’s screenwriter David Hare. “When I first entered the room to meet David, I saw two seats with the name tags ‘Carey Mulligan’ and ‘Billy Piper.’ I felt so proud, as though my 10-year career was rewarding me. I will do my best and go all the way. It is such an amazing thing to work with someone like Carey. She is such a humble person.”
About her role in Collateral as Fatima, a Syrian refugee, Kamel said: “What makes the series so special is that when I auditioned for the role, I met with David Hare and S. J. Clarkson. The two artists insisted that I put a natural act and portray Fatima’s human side. This decision allowed me to study the character deeply. Hare and Clarkson helped me a lot and gave me a lot of advice.”
Kamel studied acting and directing in the US and her dream is to appear in a UK theater.
About the character she plays, and Arab characters in general, Kamel said: “It is funny how Arab characters are always portrayed as terrorists or refugees … I think this stereotype is now broken and we can now find a diversity of other characters. People are more interested in the characters’ human side. In the role I am playing, I am trying to be part of that change.”
Saudi filmmaker Ahd Kamel stars in BBC-Netflix series Collateral
Saudi filmmaker Ahd Kamel stars in BBC-Netflix series Collateral
Ithra celebrates Founding Day with family-friendly Ramadan festivities
DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, known as Ithra, is celebrating Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day as part of a multi-night Ramadan cultural experience from Feb. 20-22.
As it has done annually since the launch of Founding Day in 2022, Ithra’s indoor and outdoor spaces weave together history, arts and community engagement, offering a wide range of experiences inspired by the beginnings of the first Saudi state across the center’s facilities.
Visitors are welcomed into a festive, family-friendly Ramadan atmosphere through a rich array of 30 programs, activities and events honoring the Kingdom’s heritage and the achievements of the country’s founders 300 years ago.
Riyadh-based Tiger Lee, who is from China, drove several hours from the capital to Dhahran and was delighted to experience the celebratory energy.
“Today is a holiday and we have three days of vacation (for Founding Day), so we just visited this city — it is our first time,” he told Arab News as his two friends, also Chinese, looked on.
“This city is so beautiful; it has a beautiful beach, different from Riyadh — that’s a beautiful city also,” Lee said.
“I have been in Riyadh for four years, but this is my first time in Dhahran. You know, the Chinese are always working, very busy. And it’s the Chinese New Year and also Ramadan, so it’s a very, very special time,” he said.
Lee was eager to enter the Ithra Cinema and watch one of the films being screened.
“We will enter to watch a film in half an hour, I don’t know what it is about, I still did not watch, but I want to understand how this country is building, what is this history of this country?”
He was also excited to explore the country more broadly.
“Saudi Arabia is a very, very important country in the Middle East. We also have a good friendship between China and this country,” Lee added. “I feel so good. I’m saying thank you, thank you very much, Saudi Arabia — from my heart.”
As always, entry to the center is free, and visitors of all nationalities are welcome.
There are plenty of culinary experiences for snacking and dining within the center’s premises. Nosh, Cantina, Tobby’s, Baking Up, Brunswick, Salil, Origo, Roboresso, Fast 2, and, of course, Pattis, an Ithra staple for years, are among the options available for food and drinks.
Outdoor offerings include the souq, featuring local vendors selling traditional goods; the Henna: From Mothers to Daughters henna station; traditional sadu weaving sessions; and more.
The nearby Energy Exhibit offers activations such as Minted History, which delves into the Kingdom’s old paper currency, the Najdi Majlis Experience, and Heritage of Our Ancestors.
The Plaza will be hosting three main events: Holy Qur’an: The Manuscripts, Katatib Journey, and the Takhleed mini art exhibition titled “Timeless Sacrifices.”
The cinema, which Lee and his friends attended, is showcasing three films. Screenings are free of charge but require tickets, which can be secured at the box office desk.
The Ithra Museum, as well as the library, are holding special storytelling experiences for the young and young at heart.
The only part of Ithra’s Founding Day festivities that requires purchasing tickets is the Children’s Museum. With so many interactive spaces and activities, the admission price of SR20 ($5) may be worth it.
Since the Founding Day celebrations coincide with the holy month of Ramadan, Ithra has also arranged Taraweeh prayers on the premises for those who wish to join.
The center will be open from 8:30 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. for the duration of the Founding Day celebrations. Visit Ithra’s website or social media channels for exact timings of each activity.
