Three is set to premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival next month

Nayla Al Khaja, renowned as the first female film director in the United Arab Emirates, has become a pioneer for young women in the film industry. Her cultural knowledge and experience have tremendously aided her in successfully facilitating complex projects, both nationally and internationally. This female power player has, in fact, directed various short films which have been awarded at multiple international film festivals. Through the art of film, Nayla tells stories that are authentic and true to her culture, challenging any stereotypes global audiences may have.

Providing a new perspective in every film she directs, Nayla often goes against the general understanding of what constitutes Arab film and offers new elements. Call it a breath of fresh air. She has recently wrapped up shooting her feature film THREE, starring the remarkable Jefferson Hall, best known for his roles in House of the Dragon and Oppenheimer, alongside other notable cast members such as Faten Ahmed, Noura Alabed, Maree Al Halyan, Mohammad Bin Huthail and new actor Saud Alzarooni.

THREE marks an incredible milestone for Arab cinema by depicting a situation that is almost never seen on film — “an Englishman intertwined with the core of an Emirati family.” Below, read our exclusive interview with Nayla, where we discuss the upcoming cross-cultural horror film.