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Hana Al Omair: Filmmaker Inspired by Writing

Saudi director Hana Al Omair.
Saudi director Hana Al Omair.
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Hana Al Omair: Filmmaker Inspired by Writing

Saudi director Hana Al Omair.
Saudi director Hana Al Omair.

When documenting the history of Saudi cinema, director Hana Al Omair emerges as one of the top figures who have fought and strived to consolidate the industry. She is still forging ahead in her mission of ensuring the prosperity of filmmaking in the Kingdom, especially after her appointment as chairwoman of the Saudi Cinema Association, which is recognition of her rich experience in the domain.

Al Omair recounted to Asharq Al-Awsat her early career in journalism that she kicked off in 2006 by writing film reviews that were published in local newspapers, such as al-Watan. They would later be published by Asharq Al-Awsat and Al Riyadh.

"I started off writing about cinema and later, in 2008, I started screenwriting and in 2009, I made my first film," she recalled.

"I moved around between these two roles. I still write and direct because I believe that writing is a main pillar for me as a director," she added. "I can't imagine directing a work in which I had no part in writing or at least having had intense and long discussions with the screenwriter because sometimes there may be certain details in the script that may greatly inspire me, especially those related to better understanding the characters."

"Character-building is crucial for me in making any work," Al Omair stressed.

Asked about the Saudi cinema's shift from producing short to feature length movies, she replied: "It is a very significant phase and definitely a positive sign because we can't speak of a cinema industry in Saudi Arabia without having feature films. It is a sign that Saudi cinema is shaping its own identity."

This identity will continue to take shape with more experiences to reflect the real Saudis, she explained.

Moreover, she stressed that the current phase marks a crucial juncture in the history of Saudi cinema. She cited the emergence of new names in the sector, the growing number of support funds and the commercial success of some projects.

Al Omair hoped that more Saudi films would achieve greater success among moviegoers. This success will attract investors to the industry.

She highlighted the importance of support funds, the Red Sea International Film Festival and the Saudi Film Festival.

"I look forward to seeing mainstream and independent films representing Saudi Arabia at international festivals, because this is very important on the cultural and artistic levels," she continued.

Locally, she said the figures at the box office are "great", but moviegoers are not flocking to watch Saudi films. "We hope Saudi movies will be able to record high ticket sales because that would be a major success for all filmmakers."

On the establishment of the Saudi Cinema Association, she stated that it brings together several parties involved in the industry.

A cinema association is important because it has greater means to approach official agencies that could be concerned in setting industry regulations.

Al Omair said the Association is still in its founding phase, which will take some time to be complete. Once complete, it will announce its projects that will enrich the cinema industry.

On the role of Saudi women in filmmaking, the director said it was "important and crucial". She cited several prominent women in the field, such as Haifaa al-Mansour, who has achieved acclaim on the Arab and international scenes. Another is Shahad Ameen, whose movie was screened at the Venice Film Festival.

"Saudi women directors have always stood side by side at the top with their male counterparts," remarked Al Omair. Even though the field is dominated by men, women have a strong and influential presence.

"I believe the coming years will witness more Saudi women flocking to join this industry," she added.

Asked if she has any new projects lined up, she replied that she has two in the works. She also revealed that she was overseeing several series that will be released on the Shahid platform.

"I have one feature film that I have been working on for a while now and I hope it will see the light soon. We are still in the script writing process," she said, revealing that the movie is a book adaptation.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.