Sharjah (Al-Ittihad)
In her inspiring speech, which she delivered at the International Photography Festival “Xposure 2024,” Emirati director Nayla Al Khaja confirmed that passion is the driving force behind every work and achievement, noting that women are capable of directing horror films, and are even proficient in working in this type of film, explaining Many of the international horror works that gained public approval were directed by women.
Al Khaja praised the cinematic energies of the women and girls of the Emirates, saying that she is proud of her move to international cinemas, through her latest film “Three”, which was recently released in the Chinese language “Mandarin”, using artificial intelligence technology, in a step that is the first in the Arab world and that contributed to the status of local films. In the global ranks.
The Emirati director spoke about the obstacles she faced during her artistic career, recalling how she directed a film over a period of four years, during a period in which she went through special circumstances, describing her experience in leading a crew of 240 people of different nationalities, and stressing her ability to inspire them and maintain their morale until… During times of extreme exhaustion, at the same time she praised the crew who worked with her in those circumstances.
Al Khaja shared her experience in financing her first film, sending a motivational message to young directors. She said, “I asked for financing for the film from 62 parties, and I faced rejection, but I did not give up, and I believed that every rejection brought me closer to success, until I found someone who said (yes), and I was able to achieve “My dream is to direct my first film.”
She explained that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and development, and that insisting on overcoming difficulties contributes to building a strong personality, noting that successful works do not depend only on technologies, but on the extent of their influence and touch with people’s feelings, and she advised those working in the film field to follow their passion and try new methods. And innovative in storytelling.
Naela Al Khaja emphasized that rich life experiences enrich artistic work and enhance creative maturity, stressing the director’s responsibility in achieving a balance between the commercial and artistic aspects of cinematic work, ensuring that the work comes out integrated and influential on viewers.
