“Making the first R-rated Saudi film was risky, but I couldn’t wait to see the audience’s reaction.”

• The film boldly addresses many topics that are often ignored by Arab citizens. After it was shown, what was the reaction of the Saudi audience?​

My film was specifically aimed at people born in the late 1980s and early 1990s, who are now in their 30s, and who often feel disconnected from films shown in cinemas. They find it difficult to find stories that suit them in these dark rooms.

As for the audience’s reaction, I was pleasantly surprised by the good atmosphere that flooded the showrooms after each show. Since this is the first Saudi film for over 18 years, I expected the worst. Fortunately, this did not happen.

• How did the experience you gained in your first feature film help you direct this second film?

The experience I gained while making my first feature film will remain etched in my memory forever. I started writing this story at a time when cinemas in Saudi Arabia did not yet exist in 2017, while the first cinema in my country opened only in 2018. At that time, there was no Saudi Film Commission yet, and my first film was released. The feature film is in one theater in Riyadh, the only one in the country.

It was an independent project, produced and financed by myself, for no purpose other than fun. But this step was necessary before launching the production of “Hamour HA”.

• The film is a bold attempt to break many taboos. Was it a difficult choice?

I am strongly against keeping secrets. It is clear that in Arab countries we are often afraid to reveal our true desires, which is an educational problem that is widespread throughout the Arab world. This tendency prevents us from confronting our problems and solving them.

It was a risky choice, but I really wanted to see the reaction of the audience, especially the Arabs, because the film tells their story. I wanted to spark debate and challenge social norms that often limit our freedom of expression.