Fatima Al-Banawi’s directorial debut ‘Basma’ to premiere on Netflix in 2024

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Updated 29 November 2023
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Fatima Al-Banawi’s directorial debut ‘Basma’ to premiere on Netflix in 2024

  • Actress plays title character in film that deals with issue of mental illness

LONDON: Saudi actress Fatima Al-Banawi is set to make her directorial debut with the film “Basma,” which premieres on Netflix next year.

Best known for her role in “Barakah Meets Barakah,” Al-Banawi plays the title character in the movie, a young Saudi woman who returns to her hometown of Jeddah after completing her studies in the US.

She is soon faced with the reality of a father suffering from a mental illness, broken family relationships, and struggles to recapture the home life she once knew.

“There are 7 billion versions of normal on this planet. I hope I managed to deliver one of them,” said Al-Banawi, who also wrote and directed the film.

“After we finished filming ‘Basma,’ I wondered whether there would be anything better than dreams coming true, and I realized the only thing better than that is to be able to dream.”


Al-Ahsa governor meets Saudi Journalists Association chairman, board members

Updated 12 January 2026
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Al-Ahsa governor meets Saudi Journalists Association chairman, board members

  • Prince Saud briefed on SJA’s activities including enhancing media ecosystem, developing local talent

LONDON: Al-Ahsa Gov. Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr on Monday met with the Saudi Journalists Association’s Chairman Adhwan Mohammed Al-Ahmari, members of its board of directors, and the head of the local branch, at the governorate’s headquarters.

Prince Saud was briefed on the SJA board’s efforts to help regulate the work of journalists, enhance professionalism, develop the media environment, and help train and empower national talent.

He was also updated on the association’s programs to support responsible media, strengthen local and international partnerships, and host domestic and foreign media delegations currently visiting the governorate.

The governor said Saudi Arabia’s leadership has helped to modernize the media industry and strengthen its presence at home and abroad.

He underlined the role of professional media in showcasing national achievements and values, and deepening engagement between all sectors of society.

Al-Ahmari thanked Prince Saud for supporting the media in Al-Ahsa and his commitment to developing the industry across the region.