"Lady of the Sea," the latest film productions from Image Nation Abu Dhabi, has received a remarkable success and popular turnout during its screening at the Venice International Film Festival in the "Critics Week" competition.
"Lady of the Sea" is the first feature film by Saudi writer and director Shahd Amin. It is presented in a legendary framework that explores the issue of change in the role of women in society through a fictional story of a young girl who decides to choose her own destiny, defying the traditions of her village, which is to present Females from their children to strange creatures live in adjacent waters.
Inspired by a short film by the same award-winning director, the film was shot in Oman, where seascapes and a rocky environment reflect the fascinating atmosphere of the film and its black and white style.
The Lady of the Sea was selected as one of the seven films participating in the Venice Critics Week competition.
"The film depicts the experiences of myself and many women around the world in their battle to break the traditions of social tradition through a striking symbolic style," said Shahad Amin, author and director of The Lady of the Sea. In spite of his fictional events that are not time-bound, the film deals with contemporary issues and themes whose events have been woven between reality and fiction and follows the poetic imagination in telling the story, which is determined by metaphorical images and the famous literary style known as magical realism. ''
She pointed out that the film comes as a result of a distinct collective effort and creative work.
"The selection of 'Lady of the Sea' in the prestigious Critics Week Competition is a new achievement and testimony to the development of the Arab film industry and its success in gaining momentum on the international stage," said Ben Ross, Chief Content Officer of Image Nation Abu Dhabi. He added that «Imagenation Abu Dhabi» is proud of its pivotal role in supporting the talents of filmmakers such as Shahd, who follow new ways and creative methods in the storytelling of fiction and symbolism. We currently have a wide range of upcoming art projects for a number of young talents that address diverse topics in different ways. ”
It is noteworthy that the film starred in the actress Bassima Hajjar (in the role of life), Ashraf Barhoum (the hero of the films Coriolanos, and the struggle of the Titans, and the Kingdom), and Jacob Farhan (the hero of the series «penetration» and «without filter» and «love without borders») , And Fatima Al Tai (the heroine of the series «Heart of Justice» produced by «Imation Nation Abu Dhabi»).
About the work maker
Writer and director Shahad Amin was born and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. She holds a bachelor's degree in visual production and film studies from the University of West London and a degree in scriptwriting. Among her short films are “Our Music” and “Leila Window”. Her short film “Eye and Houria” (2013) premiered at the Dubai International Film Festival. The Lady of the Sea is her first feature film.
Shahad Amin:
• “The film depicts the experiences of myself and many women around the world in their battle to break the restrictions.”