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Nayla Al Khaja
Born (1978-03-07) 7 March 1978 (age 46)
Dubai
NationalityEmirati
Occupation(s)Director, producer
Spouse
Christian Peter
​
(m. 2016)​
Relatives2

Nayla Al Khaja (Arabic: نايلة الخاجة‎; born March 7 March 1978) is the first female screenwriter, director, and producer in the United Arab Emirates,[1] Al Khaja is shaping the country's film industry. She feels a commitment to telling local stories for a global audience.

Academic background

Al Khaja pursued image studies and filmmaking in Toronto.[2] She earned a degree in mass communication from Dubai Women's College and completed her bachelor's degree in film studies[3] at Ryerson University in Toronto in 2005.

In 2006, her film Arabana premiered at the Dubai International Film Festival, where she was honored as the best Emirati filmmaker.[4] This recognition paved the way for a series of notable short films, including Once (2009), Malal (2010), and The Neighbor (2013).

Debut feature film: Three

In 2023, Al Khaja produced her debut drama, horror, and thriller feature film, Three.[5] It debuted at the third Red Sea International Film Festival that same year.[6] This horror-thriller explores themes of grief, familial bonds, and cross-cultural beliefs. Vox distribution release the film in the Middle East and North Africa 1 February 2024.[7]

Visual and directorial style

Al Khaja combines elements of horror and aesthetics in her films, achieving a balance between the chilling and the visually captivating. This dual approach defines her directorial style, providing audiences with a spectrum of emotions.[8]

Marked by distinctive set designs and a vibrant yet atmospheric color palette, her films carry a unique tone that contributes to their eerie ambiance. Whether exploring societal issues or personal evolution, her visual storytelling is infused with layers of meaning and nuanced narratives.[9]

Global recognition, projects and acquisition

Nayla's films, Animal and The Shadow achieved international recognition when Netflix acquired their rights in September 2022. This expanded her reach to a global audience.[10][11]

In April 2021, media outlets reported Al Khaja's entry into series production. Her anthology The Alexandria Killings, will be directed by Oscar-winning director Terry George, with Al Khaja serving as executive producer and set to direct multiple episodes.[12]

Baab

Al Khaja is currently developing a second fantasy-realism horror feature film, Baab, with two time Oscar winner A. R. Rahman[13] set to compose the musical score.

Baab unfolds the story of Wahida, attempting to cope with the loss of her sister by navigating the stages of grief. The revelation of cassette tapes concealed behind a green door propels Wahida into a perilous journey. Unable to comprehend her twin sister's mysterious death, she is tormented by a haunting rhythm in her ears. She begins to unravel more than just hidden secrets. The potent melody of wedding drums leads her deep into the mountains, where she bears witness to an unholy union between her deceased father and a djin named Lulwa. Baab unravels into the depths of madness and chaos, blurring the line between truth and nightmares. This dark fantasy delves into themes of forbidden love, jealousy, rage, murder, shame, and unresolved grief. It is expected to start filming in mid-2024.

Filmography and awards

Al Khaja's filmography
Title Year Al Khaja credit Main cast Genre Project type Award(s)
Sweet Sixteen 1996 Writer & director --- Comedy Short
3adi.com 1998 Director --- Documentary Short
The Will 2003 Producer --- Documentary Short
The Loss 2005 Producer Shawn Reynolds, Shannon Paterson, Mackenzie Muldoon Drama Short
Unveiling Dubai 2005 Producer & director Al Khaja, Nicolas Doldinger Documentary Short
Arabana 2006 Writer & director Al Khaja, Feriyal Entezari Drama Short Best Female Filmmaker – Dubai International Film Festival, 2007
Once 2009 Writer & director Nifin G. Al Din, Bassim Sami Al Khalif, Hammad B. Al Khalif Drama Short
Malal 2010 Writer & director Al Khaja, Hormuz Mehta, Ghassan Al Khateri Drama, romance Short Production of the Year – Digital Studio Award, 2011; 1st prize, Muhr Emirati Category – Dubai International Film Festival, 2010; Best Script – Gulf International Film Festival, 2010; 1st prize, International Young Screen Entrepreneur – British Council, 2010; 1st prize, Emirati Short Film Script Competition – Gulf Film Festival, 2010
Hi 2012 Writer & director Mona Al Assa'd, Sheree Framrose Drama Short
Three 2013 Writer & director Aya Al Ansari, Fatima Al Shroqi, Katrina Bernardo Horror Short Hazawi Fund for Short Film – Doha Film Institute, 2013
The Neighbor 2013 Writer & director Crystal Bates Drama Short Best Short Film – Middle East Now Festival, 2015; Muhr Emirate, Special Jury Award – Dubai International Film Festival, 2015; Best Emirati Film – Abu Dhabi Film Festival, 2013
Animal 2016 Writer & director Mohammed Ahmed, Venetia Tiarks, Donya Asi, Abhijit Baruah Drama Short (pilot for feature project) Best women's issue short – Madrid Arthouse Film Festival, 2022; Best Short Cinematography – Arthouse Festival of Beverly Hills, 2021; Jury Award, Narrative Film – Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, 2018; Jury Special Prize, Best Short Fiction – Italian Movie Award, 2017
The Shadow 2019 Writer & director Sara Al Aqeeli, Mohannad Huthail, Miran Yazi, Mona Ragab, Abdulrahman Ahmed, Abdulrazzaq Al Khaja, Rashid Mohammed, Mohammed Mahfoud Drama, horror Short (pilot for feature project) Best Cinematography in Short – Dubai Independent Film Festival, 2022; Best Horror Short – Arthouse Festival of Beverly Hills, 2021; Best Fantasy / Horror Short – WorldFest Houston, 2020; Best United Arab Emirates talent – Al Ain Film Festival, 2020
The Road to Fulfilment 2022 Director Noora Al Balooshi, Phil Dunn, Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Documentary Short Documentaries and Reports: Environment, Ecology and Sustainability, Silver Dolphin Award – Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards, 2023
Three 2023 Writer & director Jefferson Hall, Faten Ahmed, Noura Alabed, Saud Alzarooni, Mohannad Huthail, Abdulrazzaq Al Khaja, Mari Al-Halyan, Abdullrahim Almujaini Drama, thriller, horror Feature film World premiere – Red Sea film festival, December 5 & 7, 2023

Entrepreneur

As the CEO of Al Khaja Films (formerly D-Seven Motion Pictures) since 2005, Al Khaja has played a significant role in local film production. Her company has also produced commercial films. Al Khaja has directed commercials for brands, including Mercedes, Nike, Nestlé, Neutrogena, and Nivea, and has worked with notable clients such as Annie Leibovitz and Roger Federer. Additionally, she served as a behind-the-scenes director on Star Trek 3, appointed by the Dubai Film and TV Commission.

Founder of the Scene Club

In 2007, Al Khaja founded the Scene Club (later changed the Scene), the UAE's first film club.[14] With a membership exceeding 22,000, the Scene Club has functioned as a cultural hub, introducing independent films to audiences in the UAE.[15][16] The club has showcased a diverse array of award-winning films from around the world, providing club members the opportunity to appreciate original cinematic formats. It has featured sessions with guest speakers connected to the films.

Brand ambassadorship and endorsements

Al Khaja became the representative, brand ambassador, and endorser of companies through partnerships and promotions, including Apple,[17] Samsung,[18] Oppo,[19] Honor,[20] Du Telecommunication,[21] Porsche,[22] LG,[23] Canon,[24] Gucci,[25] Chopard,[26] Damas Jewelry,[27] Estée Lauder,[28] TAG Heuer,[29] Philadelphia Cream Cheese,[30] Neutrogena,[31] and Emirates airline.[32]

Cultural consultant and motivational speaker

Al Khaja is proficient in five languages, and speaks on cinema, entrepreneurship, culture, youth motivation, and women's empowerment. She has given TED Talks.[33] Al Khaja addresses topics such as stereotypes of Arab women, working in a male-dominated industry, gender balance, and overcoming fear.

Accolades and appearances

References

  1. ^ Burney, Charlotte. "The UAE's First Female Film Director: How Nayla Al Khaja Is Breaking Into Hollywood As An Emirati Woman". Forbes. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  2. ^ Pratt, Mary (12 December 2018). "Nayla Al Khaja: The UAE's First Female Film Director & Producer". Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  3. ^ "Film alumna smashes barriers as first female film director in the United Arab Emirates". Toronto Metropolitan University. 21 September 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  4. ^ "People in Film: Nayla Al Khaja". Doha Film Institute. 26 July 2011. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  5. ^ "Three". IMDb.
  6. ^ "Three – Red Sea Film". Red Sea Film – Red Sea Film Festival. 30 November 2023. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  7. ^ Sheded, Mona; Kay, Jeremy; Rosser, Michael (18 January 2024). "UAE thriller 'Three' lands Middle East distribution ahead of Red Sea premiere (exclusive)". Screen. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  8. ^ "The Independent Critic - Movie Review: Three".
  9. ^ "FMCG Horeca Business". WonderMom. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  10. ^ "Netflix streams two films by Emirati filmmaker Nayla Al-Khaja". Arab News. 18 January 2024. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  11. ^ Skirka, Hayley (5 November 2022). "Netflix releases two films by Emirati filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja". The National. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  12. ^ Allam, Roula (5 January 2024). "Emirati Filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja To Begin International Journey With 'The Alexandria Killings'". About Her. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  13. ^ Ramachandran, Naman (11 May 2022). "A.R. Rahman, Nayla Al Khaja Team on 'Baab'". Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  14. ^ "Profile: The Scene Club". Digital Studio Middle East. 27 July 2014. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  15. ^ دبي, محمد عبدالمقصود - (18 November 2017). "نايلة الخاجة: «المشهد».. قصة نجاح سينمائية في دبي". emaratalyoum.com (in Arabic). Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  16. ^ "Philanthropy: Nayla Al Khaja on filmmaking & female empowerment". Lux Magazine. 20 December 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  17. ^ "Creating Opportunities: Nayla Alkhaja - Nayla Alkhaja Films no Apple Podcasts".
  18. ^ "DIFF and Samsung launch second Samsung Short Film Contest".
  19. ^ "In Conversation with OPPO Brand Ambassador and the UAE's First Female Film Writer, Director and Producer, Nayla Al Khaja". L'Officiel Arabia. 19 January 2023. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  20. ^ "Honor Teams Up with the Emirati Filmmaker 'Nayla Al-Khaja'". Review Central Middle East. 2 June 2022. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  21. ^ "Du salutes the spirit of women in business with launch of first-of-its-kind in the region "Her Business Super Plan"".
  22. ^ "In the Fast Lane".
  23. ^ https://tradearabia.com/touch/article/RET/208860
  24. ^ "Canon keeps award-winning UAE filmmaker as ambassador". 29 August 2017.
  25. ^ https://www.hiamag.com/%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%8A%D9%84%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%AC%D8%A9-%D9%88%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%B2%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%82
  26. ^ "Digital Cover featuring Nayla Al Khaja". www.arabianmoda.com. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  27. ^ "Damas Continues to Highlight Women Empowerment with the Luxurious Alif Collection".
  28. ^ "Saudi ballerina Samira Al-Khamis stars in Estee Lauder Ramadan campaign".
  29. ^ "TAG Heuer club members accelerate through Dubai in McLaren supercars". 8 March 2014.
  30. ^ https://tradearabia.com/touch/article/MISC/193942
  31. ^ "See What's Possible: Neutrogena Launches its First Global Campaign in the Middle East". 8 May 2016.
  32. ^ "Emirati women at the forefront of the UAE's thriving aviation and travel industry".
  33. ^ "TEDxAbuDhabi | TED".
  34. ^ "Women in Film and TV take the spotlight at the 6th META Cinema Forum". www.zawya.com. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  35. ^ "14 Successful Emirati Women Who Continue to Help Build the UAE". Vogue Arabia. 28 August 2023. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  36. ^ "ME Women Leaders Awards 2023". menawomenleaders.com. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  37. ^ Mansoor, Zainab (26 November 2020). "Revealed: Winners at the 2020 Gulf Business Awards". Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  38. ^ Abusief, Fatma (2 September 2019). "These four Emirati women are on Forbes' Women Behind Middle Eastern Brands list". Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  39. ^ "Most Admired Leaders". Sunita Rawat. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  40. ^ Reporter, Staff (12 December 2017). "Nayla Al Khaja's film accredited for Cannes Producers' Network". Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  41. ^ "Diff 2017: IWC Filmmaker Award shortlist revealed". gulfnews.com. 30 October 2017. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  42. ^ Nagraj, Aarti (11 September 2017). "Revealed: Winners at the Gulf Business Awards 2017". Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  43. ^ "InPics: The 100 Most Powerful Arabs Under 40". Arabian Business. 19 April 2015.
  44. ^ "InPics: The 100 Most Powerful Arab Women". Arabian Business.
  45. ^ "InPics: The 100 Most Powerful Arab Women". Arabian Business.
  46. ^ "Frieda Pinto on DIFF jury duty". gulfnews.com. 5 December 2012. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  47. ^ Anil Bhoyrul (20 November 2011). "Dubai Police chief takes top honour at awards night". Arabian Business.
  48. ^ "Short and sweet". gulfnews.com. 17 October 2011. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  49. ^ "UAE markets Emirati cinema Down Under - eb247 - The Business of Life - Entertainment - Emirates24|7". www.emirates247.com. 20 July 2010. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  50. ^ "June Citizen Diplomacy News". myemail.constantcontact.com. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  51. ^ "Kiarostami to preside over Middle East festival jury". Mehr News Agency. 5 October 2009. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  52. ^ "Meet The Top 100 Global Women Mentors". Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  53. ^ "Flair for business flourishing in Dubai". gulfnews.com. 18 November 2006. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  54. ^ a b "'Woman of the Year' Honor for Emirati Filmmaker". Arab News. 10 April 2006. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  55. ^ "Another day, another first". gulfnews.com. 1 October 2005. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  56. ^ "Nayla Al Khaja". Arabian Business.

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