Sara Talab is a filmmaker whose work doesn’t just entertain—it resonates. With a
deep-rooted passion for storytelling and an unwavering commitment to emotional
honesty, Sara has emerged as a unique voice in the evolving landscape of Saudi
and international cinema. Her journey reflects not just personal ambition, but a
broader cultural mission: to represent her country, challenge conventions, and bridge
worlds through the power of film.
The Beginning: A Storytelling Dream Born in Paris
Sara’s career in cinema began with a clear and intentional step—studying filmmaking
and directing at EICAR in Paris. For her, storytelling was never a casual pursuit. It
was a calling. “I knew I wanted to tell stories through cinema,” she says, “and I
wanted to learn the craft seriously.”
At EICAR, Sara immersed herself in the full ecosystem of filmmaking. She didn’t just
stick to directing—she worked as a first assistant director, production designer, and
script supervisor, gaining a holistic understanding of the creative and technical
processes behind every frame. One of her early contributions as a production
designer was even part of a film that won Best Short at the Istanbul Film Festival.
These formative years were crucial in shaping her as a filmmaker who values
collaboration and respects every role on set.
The Turning Point: From Student Projects to Authorship
Sara’s first major step into authorship came with her short film Bernard & Bernadette.
While it started as a student film, it quickly became something more—an emotional
exploration of story, rhythm, and image. It was through this project that Sara realized
her path as a filmmaker was not just a dream, but a serious commitment.
Later, she directed her debut feature film Hajeer, a powerful human drama that was
officially selected at the Dakhla Film Festival. Although Sara is personally drawn to
science fiction and fantasy, she chose to begin with a grounded, emotional story to
demonstrate her ability to handle complexity, cultural sensitivity, and narrative depth.
“Hajeer wasn’t just a film—it was a test of commitment and resilience,” she reflects.
The Inspiration: A Love for Cinema Born in Scarcity
Growing up in Saudi Arabia during a time when movie theaters were non-existent,
Sara’s access to cinema was rare and precious. “Every time I sat in a dark theater, I
felt like I was entering another world,” she recalls. That sense of wonder became the
foundation for her creative vision.
However, it wasn’t just about escape. Over time, Sara realized that the world she
truly wanted to see on screen was her own—her country, her culture, her people.
“My inspiration comes from a deep love for Saudi Arabia and a desire to reflect its
spirit with honesty and artistry,” she says. Now, as the Kingdom experiences a
cultural renaissance, Sara is proud to be among the filmmakers contributing to its
cinematic identity.
Filling the Gap: Bridging Cultures Through Storytelling
Sara’s work is deeply intentional. She aims to bridge the gap between how the world
sees Saudi Arabia and the multifaceted reality of its people. “For a long time, stories
from our region were either told from the outside or weren’t told at all,” she says. Her
mission is to change that by telling authentic, culturally grounded stories through a
universal cinematic language.
In addition to cultural representation, Sara also seeks to expand genre boundaries.
“Genres like fantasy and science fiction are still emerging in our region,” she
explains. Through her work, she hopes to bring fresh perspectives and emotional
depth to these genres, proving that local stories can thrive within global narratives.
What Makes Her Unique: Emotional Honesty and Versatility
Sara doesn’t claim to be better than other filmmakers. Instead, she focuses on what
sets her apart: emotional honesty, cultural empathy, and technical versatility. Her
diverse experience across film departments—from directing to production
design—gives her a comprehensive view of the production process. It allows her to
lead with empathy, collaborate effectively, and execute a vision that is both artistic
and grounded.
“I care deeply about how a moment feels—not just how it looks,” she says. Her
storytelling style combines the human, the poetic, and the cinematic in a way that
feels distinctively her own.
Project Selection: Following the Emotional Spark
For Sara, choosing a project is not about trends or commercial viability—it’s about
emotional connection. “If a story doesn’t move me or spark something real inside
me, I know I can’t direct it honestly,” she explains. She trusts her instincts and
chooses projects that speak to her on a human level.
This commitment to emotional authenticity ensures that her work is never
mechanical. Every film she makes starts with a feeling, a character, or a moment that
matters to her. And she believes that audiences can feel that honesty too.
Redefining Success: Impact Over Applause
Sara’s definition of success is rooted in connection, not recognition. While she hopes
her name will be remembered in the film world, her real goal is to create stories that
linger with audiences. “Success, for me, is when a film touches someone and stays
with them long after it ends,” she says.
She wants to be known not just as a filmmaker, but as a storyteller whose work
resonates emotionally and reflects something true. This vision of success is what
continues to guide her path.
Breaking Barriers: A Milestone in Feature Filmmaking
Directing Hajeer was more than a creative accomplishment—it was a cultural
milestone. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Sara led a crew with
confidence, respect, and a collaborative spirit. “It wasn’t about confrontation,” she
says, “it was about showing that leadership can be inclusive and effective.”
Another milestone is how her work straddles two cultural worlds. Bernard &
Bernadette is French, while Hajeer is deeply Saudi. This duality reflects her identity
and her ambition: to be an international filmmaker who tells rooted, authentic stories
that resonate across borders.
Looking Ahead: From Drama to Comedy and Beyond
Sara’s next project is a comedy—a genre she’s exploring for the first time. Still in
early development, the project promises a new tone and fresh challenges. “I’m
excited to explore humor and human behavior from a different perspective,” she
shares.
Beyond this, her creative mind is constantly brimming with new ideas. Whether it’s a
grounded character drama or a sci-fi adventure, she is drawn to stories that begin
from an emotional truth. And she remains open to collaboration, especially with
filmmakers who share her passion for cross-cultural storytelling.
Conclusion: A Voice for the Present, a Vision for the Future
Sara Talab is not just making films—she’s shaping a narrative landscape where
emotion, culture, and imagination coexist. Her journey is a testament to what’s
possible when a filmmaker leads with heart, dares to cross boundaries, and commits
fully to her vision.
As Saudi cinema continues to grow, voices like Sara’s will play a pivotal role in
defining its identity—bold, honest, and beautifully human. And while she’s only at the
beginning of her journey, her work already speaks volumes about the kind of
storyteller she is: fearless, thoughtful, and full of heart.