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Nayla Al Khaja

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Nayla Al Khaja
Born (1978-03-07) 7 March 1978 (age 46)
Dubai
NationalityEmirati
Occupation(s)Director, producer
Spouse
Christian Peter
​
(m. 2016)​
Relatives2

Nayla Al Khaja (Arabic: نايلة الخاجة‎; born March 7 March 1978) is the first female screenwriter, director, and producer in the United Arab Emirates,[1]

Education

[edit]

Al Khaja pursued image studies and filmmaking in Toronto.[2] She earned a degree in mass communication from Dubai Women's College and completed her bachelor's degree in film studies[3] at Ryerson University in Toronto in 2005.

Film career

[edit]

In 2006, her film Arabana premiered at the Dubai International Film Festival, where she was honored as the best Emirati filmmaker.[4] This recognition paved the way for a series of notable short films, including Once (2009), Malal (2010), and The Neighbor (2013).

Al Khaja's films, Animal and The Shadow achieved international recognition when Netflix acquired their rights in September 2022. This expanded her reach to a global audience.[5][6]

In April 2021, media outlets reported Al Khaja's entry into series production. Her anthology The Alexandria Killings, will be directed by Terry George, with Al Khaja serving as executive producer and set to direct multiple episodes.[7]

In 2023, Al Khaja produced her debut drama, horror, and thriller feature film, Three.[8] It debuted at the third Red Sea International Film Festival that same year.[9] The horror-thriller explores themes of grief, familial bonds, and cross-cultural beliefs. Vox distribution released the film in the Middle East and North Africa 1 February 2024.[10] The film is the first Arabic production to utilize AI technology for voice localization, resulting in its release in Mandarin. Premiering in Chinese on March, Three is the first Emirati film to reach a global audience.[11]The feature film 'THREE' was showcased at the Moscow International Film Festival held in Moscow, Russia, on April 21, 2024.[12]

Al Khaja is developing a second fantasy-realism horror feature film, Baab, with A. R. Rahman[13] set to compose the musical score.

Filmography and awards

[edit]
Filmography
Title Year Al Khaja credit Genre Project type Award(s)
Sweet Sixteen 1996 Writer & director Comedy Short
3adi.com 1998 Director Documentary Short
The Will 2003 Producer Documentary Short
The Loss 2005 Producer Drama Short
Unveiling Dubai 2005 Producer & director Documentary Short
Arabana 2006 Writer & director Drama Short Best Female Filmmaker – Dubai International Film Festival, 2007
Once 2009 Writer & director Drama Short
Malal 2010 Writer & director Short Production of the Year – Digital Studio Award, 2011; 1st prize, Muhr Emirati Category – Dubai International Film Festival, 2010; Best Script – Gulf International Film Festival, 2010; 1st prize, International Young Screen Entrepreneur – British Council, 2010; 1st prize, Emirati Short Film Script Competition – Gulf Film Festival, 2010
Hi 2012 Writer & director Drama Short
Three 2013 Writer & director Horror Short Hazawi Fund for Short Film – Doha Film Institute, 2013
The Neighbor 2013 Writer & director Drama Short Best Short Film – Middle East Now Festival, 2015; Muhr Emirate, Special Jury Award – Dubai International Film Festival, 2015; Best Emirati Film – Abu Dhabi Film Festival, 2013
Animal 2016 Writer & director Drama Short (pilot for feature project) Best women's issue short – Madrid Arthouse Film Festival, 2022; Best Short Cinematography – Arthouse Festival of Beverly Hills, 2021; Jury Award, Narrative Film – Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, 2018; Jury Special Prize, Best Short Fiction – Italian Movie Award, 2017
The Shadow 2019 Writer & director Drama, horror Short (pilot for feature project) Best Cinematography in Short – Dubai Independent Film Festival, 2022; Best Horror Short – Arthouse Festival of Beverly Hills, 2021; Best Fantasy / Horror Short – WorldFest Houston, 2020; Best United Arab Emirates talent – Al Ain Film Festival, 2020
The Road to Fulfilment 2022 Director Documentary Short Documentaries and Reports: Environment, Ecology and Sustainability, Silver Dolphin Award – Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards, 2023
Three 2023 Writer & director Drama, thriller, horror Feature film

Other work

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As the CEO of Al Khaja Films (formerly D-Seven Motion Pictures) since 2005, Al Khaja has played a significant role in local film production. Her company has also produced commercial films. Al Khaja has directed commercials for brands and she served as a behind-the-scenes director on Star Trek 3, appointed by the Dubai Film and TV Commission.[citation needed]

In 2007, Al Khaja founded the Scene Club (later changed the Scene), the UAE's first film club.[14] With a membership exceeding 22,000, the Scene Club has functioned as a cultural hub, introducing independent films to audiences in the UAE.[15][16] 


became the representative, brand ambassador, and endorser of companies through partnerships and promotions, including Apple,[17] Samsung,[18] Oppo,[19] Honor,[20] Du Telecommunication,[21] Porsche,[22] LG,[23] Canon,[24] Gucci,[25] Chopard,[26] Damas Jewelry,[27] Estée Lauder,[28] TAG Heuer,[29] Philadelphia Cream Cheese,[30] Neutrogena,[31] and Emirates airline.[32]

Al Khaja is proficient in five languages, and speaks on cinema, entrepreneurship, culture, youth motivation, and women's empowerment. She has given TED Talks.[33]

Awards and honors

[edit]
  • "Emirates Woman of the Year", Emirates Woman Magazine, 2005[34]
  • "Local Artist of the Year", Emirates Woman Magazine, 2005[34]
  • First woman the direct TV commercial, 2005[35]
  • "Inspirational Leadership Award", Lloyds TSB Bank, 2006[36]
  • "Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year", Middle East Businesswomen and Leaders Achievement Awards, 2007[37]
  • Jury member at the Middle East International Film Festival, 2009[38]
  • Member of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, Melbourne International Film Festival, 2010[39]
  • UAE Representative (Filmmaker Category), US Dept. of State, International Visitors Leadership Program, 2010[40]
  • Jury member with Freida Pinto in Dubai International Film Festival, 2011[41]
  • "Visionary of the Year", Arabian Business Awards, 2011[42]
  • Jury member at Topic Fest with Nadine Labaki, 2011[43]
  • Recognized as "500 Most Powerful Arab People", 2012[44]
  • "Top 50 Most Powerful Arab Women" Arabian Business, 2012[45]
  • "100 most powerful Arabs under 40, #48", Arabian Business Power List, 2015[46]
  • Diff 2017: IWC Filmmaker Award shortlist[47]
  • "Entrepreneur of the Year", Gulf Business Awards, September 2017[48]
  • "First Emirati to be awarded a seat at the Producers Network at the Cannes Film Festival", for the feature script Animal, 2018[49]
  • "Most Admired Leaders of Asia 2018 - Process Evaluators & Research", BARC Asia & Jury Panel, 2018[50]
  • "Top four Emirati women listed in Forbes", September 2019[51]
  • Businesswoman of the Year - Gulf Business Awards 2020[52]
  • Top 50 most powerful personalities in Arab Cinema 2021[53]
  • WIFT MENA Excellency in Cinema Honorary Award, Women in Film and TV take the spotlight at the 6th META Cinema Forum, 2023[54]
  • 14 Successful Emirati Women Who Continue to Help Build the UAE, Vogue Middle East, August 2023[55]
  • Breaking This Bias - Women Leaders Summit & Awards 2023[56]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Burney, Charlotte. "The UAE's First Female Film Director: How Nayla Al Khaja Is Breaking Into Hollywood As An Emirati Woman". Forbes. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  2. ^ Pratt, Mary (12 December 2018). "Nayla Al Khaja: The UAE's First Female Film Director & Producer". Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  3. ^ "Film alumna smashes barriers as first female film director in the United Arab Emirates". Toronto Metropolitan University. 21 September 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  4. ^ "People in Film: Nayla Al Khaja". Doha Film Institute. 26 July 2011. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  5. ^ "Netflix streams two films by Emirati filmmaker Nayla Al-Khaja". Arab News. 18 January 2024. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  6. ^ Skirka, Hayley (5 November 2022). "Netflix releases two films by Emirati filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja". The National. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  7. ^ Allam, Roula (5 January 2024). "Emirati Filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja To Begin International Journey With 'The Alexandria Killings'". About Her. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  8. ^ "Three". IMDb.
  9. ^ "Three – Red Sea Film". Red Sea Film – Red Sea Film Festival. 30 November 2023. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  10. ^ Sheded, Mona; Kay, Jeremy; Rosser, Michael (18 January 2024). "UAE thriller 'Three' lands Middle East distribution ahead of Red Sea premiere (exclusive)". Screen. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  11. ^ https://www.onearabia.me/hollywood/mandarin-release-for-nayla-al-khajas-movie-three-009941.html
  12. ^ "ТРИ".
  13. ^ Ramachandran, Naman (11 May 2022). "A.R. Rahman, Nayla Al Khaja Team on 'Baab'". Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  14. ^ "Profile: The Scene Club". Digital Studio Middle East. 27 July 2014. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  15. ^ دبي, محمد عبدالمقصود - (18 November 2017). "نايلة الخاجة: «المشهد».. قصة نجاح سينمائية في دبي". emaratalyoum.com (in Arabic). Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  16. ^ "Philanthropy: Nayla Al Khaja on filmmaking & female empowerment". Lux Magazine. 20 December 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  17. ^ "Creating Opportunities: Nayla Alkhaja - Nayla Alkhaja Films no Apple Podcasts".
  18. ^ "DIFF and Samsung launch second Samsung Short Film Contest".
  19. ^ "In Conversation with OPPO Brand Ambassador and the UAE's First Female Film Writer, Director and Producer, Nayla Al Khaja". L'Officiel Arabia. 19 January 2023. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  20. ^ "Honor Teams Up with the Emirati Filmmaker 'Nayla Al-Khaja'". Review Central Middle East. 2 June 2022. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  21. ^ "Du salutes the spirit of women in business with launch of first-of-its-kind in the region "Her Business Super Plan"".
  22. ^ "In the Fast Lane".
  23. ^ https://tradearabia.com/touch/article/RET/208860
  24. ^ "Canon keeps award-winning UAE filmmaker as ambassador". 29 August 2017.
  25. ^ https://www.hiamag.com/%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%8A%D9%84%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%AC%D8%A9-%D9%88%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%B2%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%82
  26. ^ "Digital Cover featuring Nayla Al Khaja". www.arabianmoda.com. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  27. ^ "Damas Continues to Highlight Women Empowerment with the Luxurious Alif Collection".
  28. ^ "Saudi ballerina Samira Al-Khamis stars in Estee Lauder Ramadan campaign".
  29. ^ "TAG Heuer club members accelerate through Dubai in McLaren supercars". 8 March 2014.
  30. ^ https://tradearabia.com/touch/article/MISC/193942
  31. ^ "See What's Possible: Neutrogena Launches its First Global Campaign in the Middle East". 8 May 2016.
  32. ^ "Emirati women at the forefront of the UAE's thriving aviation and travel industry".
  33. ^ "TEDxAbuDhabi | TED".
  34. ^ a b "'Woman of the Year' Honor for Emirati Filmmaker". Arab News. 10 April 2006. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  35. ^ "Another day, another first". gulfnews.com. 1 October 2005. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  36. ^ "Flair for business flourishing in Dubai". gulfnews.com. 18 November 2006. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  37. ^ "Meet The Top 100 Global Women Mentors". Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  38. ^ "Kiarostami to preside over Middle East festival jury". Mehr News Agency. 5 October 2009. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  39. ^ "UAE markets Emirati cinema Down Under - eb247 - The Business of Life - Entertainment - Emirates24|7". www.emirates247.com. 20 July 2010. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  40. ^ "June Citizen Diplomacy News". myemail.constantcontact.com. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  41. ^ "Frieda Pinto on DIFF jury duty". gulfnews.com. 5 December 2012. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  42. ^ Anil Bhoyrul (20 November 2011). "Dubai Police chief takes top honour at awards night". Arabian Business.
  43. ^ "Short and sweet". gulfnews.com. 17 October 2011. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  44. ^ "InPics: The 100 Most Powerful Arab Women". Arabian Business.
  45. ^ "InPics: The 100 Most Powerful Arab Women". Arabian Business.
  46. ^ "InPics: The 100 Most Powerful Arabs Under 40". Arabian Business. 19 April 2015.
  47. ^ "Diff 2017: IWC Filmmaker Award shortlist revealed". gulfnews.com. 30 October 2017. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  48. ^ Nagraj, Aarti (11 September 2017). "Revealed: Winners at the Gulf Business Awards 2017". Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  49. ^ Reporter, Staff (12 December 2017). "Nayla Al Khaja's film accredited for Cannes Producers' Network". Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  50. ^ "Most Admired Leaders". Sunita Rawat. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  51. ^ Abusief, Fatma (2 September 2019). "These four Emirati women are on Forbes' Women Behind Middle Eastern Brands list". Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  52. ^ Mansoor, Zainab (26 November 2020). "Revealed: Winners at the 2020 Gulf Business Awards". Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  53. ^ "Nayla Al Khaja". Arabian Business.
  54. ^ "Women in Film and TV take the spotlight at the 6th META Cinema Forum". www.zawya.com. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  55. ^ "14 Successful Emirati Women Who Continue to Help Build the UAE". Vogue Arabia. 28 August 2023. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  56. ^ "ME Women Leaders Awards 2023". menawomenleaders.com. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
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