Nayla Al Khaja recounts the redefinition of Emirati Cinema

Our interview with the UAE’s first female film director

A trailblazer in the Emirati film industry and a visionary storyteller, Nayla Al Khaja has carved her own path on both the national and international scene. As the UAE’s first female film director and producer, her journey is a testament to the power of cinema to challenge conventions. Nayla’s career is a story worth telling. Born and raised in Dubai, Nayla made history by becoming the first Emirati woman to direct a television commercial. But this was only the beginning. Subsequently, she released Arabana, a short film that boldly addressed the issue of child abuse. Nayla has remained committed to telling thought-provoking stories, as she did in Malal, which explores the struggles faced by young Emirati couples in arranged marriages. Nayla soon became the first Emirati to receive recognition at the Producers Network at the Cannes Film Festival for her feature script Animal. In 2023, she debuted with Three, a drama-thriller that explores themes of grief and cultural beliefs. Nayla Al Khaja’s journey redefined what it means to be a filmmaker in the Arab world. As she continues to break barriers, her legacy is already shaping the future of filmmaking.

Can you tell us about your journey in the film industry? What motivated you to pursue a career in filmmaking?

My journey into filmmaking was driven by an innate passion for storytelling and a desire to bring authentic Emirati narratives to the global stage. Growing up, I was fascinated by cinema, but filmmaking wasn’t seen as a traditional career path, especially for women in the UAE. That challenge only fueled my determination to carve a space in the industry. I started by creating short films, pushing boundaries, and learning every aspect of the craft. Over time, I built my own path, proving that Emirati voices have a place in international cinema. My films often explore complex human emotions, cultural identity, and untold stories, blending striking visuals with deeply personal narratives. My goal has always been to bridge worlds, telling stories that feel intimate yet resonate universally.

What upcoming projects are you currently working on? Are there any specific themes or stories you are excited to explore?

I am currently working on BAAB, a feature film that blends fantasy, horror, and psychological depth, set within the rich tapestry of Emirati culture. It is an ambitious project, and working with A.R. Rahman on the film’s score has been an incredible collaboration. The film explores themes of loss, resilience, and the blurred lines between reality and folklore.

Are you familiar with Italian cinema? If so, what aspects do you appreciate the most about it? Do you have any favorite Italian films or directors?

Italian cinema is a masterclass in visual storytelling and emotional depth, blending realism with poetic narratives that capture life’s struggles with raw authenticity, as seen in Bicycle Thieves (1948) by Vittorio De Sica. Directors like Federico Fellini (La Dolce Vita, 8½) introduced surrealism and introspection, while Giuseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso) explored nostalgia and memory. Paolo Sorrentino (The Great Beauty) continues this tradition with visually stunning, thought-provoking films.

You attended the Middle East Now Festival in Florence in 2015, where you won an award for your short film The Neighbour. Can you share your memories of that event and what winning that award meant to you?

Attending the Middle East Now Festival in Florence in 2015 was a memorable milestone in my career. Winning for The Neighbour was particularly meaningful because it reaffirmed that Emirati stories could resonate with international audiences. Florence itself has an incredible artistic energy, and to have my film recognized in a city so steeped in cinematic and cultural history was surreal. The festival was also a fantastic platform for cross-cultural dialogue, allowing me to connect with filmmakers and audiences who were genuinely interested in exploring the Middle East beyond the usual narratives. That experience reinforced my belief in the power of film as a bridge between cultures, and it motivated me to keep pushing boundaries in Emirati cinema.

How do you think cultural exchange through film can impact understanding between different communities?

Film is one of the most powerful tools for cultural exchange because it allows audiences to experience different perspectives, traditions, and ways of life in an intimate and immersive way. When done authentically, cinema breaks stereotypes and fosters empathy, allowing people to connect beyond language or geography. For me, showcasing Emirati culture through film is not just about representation, it’s about creating a bridge between our world and the rest of the globe. By telling deeply personal yet universally resonant stories, we can foster greater appreciation for cultures that might otherwise be unfamiliar. Film has the power to humanize, educate, and build emotional connections, making it an essential medium for cross-cultural understanding.