In the rising wave of cinematic talent emerging from the Middle East, Saudi film director Sara Talab is carving out a distinct voice—one rooted in cultural depth, emotional clarity, and a clear eye for visual storytelling.
A graduate of EICAR (École internationale de création audiovisuelle et de réalisation) in Paris, Sara holds a BFA in Filmmaking with a focus on directing. During her time as a student and on various sets, she took on a wide range of roles—continuity, script supervisor, first assistant director, production designer—each one shaping her ability to lead and craft films from a place of deep understanding.
A Director Shaped by Every Role
Sara Talab’s path to directing wasn’t linear — it was built layer by layer, from the ground up. She started out on set handling continuity, worked as a script supervisor, took on the role of first assistant director, and spent time in production design. Each position added a new dimension to how she sees a story unfold on screen.
Though she was once recognized for her visual work, directing was always the goal.
“Growing up on set wearing different hats—from continuity to 1AD to production design—wasn’t just part of the journey, it was essential. It taught me how films breathe, how crews move, and how stories are held together. Directing felt like the natural next step.”
It’s that behind-the-scenes fluency that now defines her voice as a filmmaker: clear, collaborative, and rooted in experience.
Hajeer: A Debut with Heart and Courage
In 2025, Sara made her directorial feature film debut with Hajeer, a pivotal moment in her artistic journey. Set in the historic heart of Jeddah, Hajeer explores the delicate intersections of tradition, identity, and generational conflict. But for Sara, the film was more than a narrative exercise—it was a personal test of commitment, resilience, and artistic bravery.
“My directorial feature film debut Hajeer wasn’t just a film — it was a challenge, a test of commitment and resilience. Although my passion leans toward science fiction and fantasy, I chose to direct a human drama because I wanted to prove that I could handle emotional depth and cultural sensitivity. That project helped shape my voice as a filmmaker: someone who is not afraid to take risks, explore different genres, and commit fully to the process — no matter how difficult it is.”
Drawing on the rich visual history of Saudi Arabia’s oldest neighborhoods, Hajeer uses architecture, light, and space as narrative tools—rendering the environment as a silent yet expressive character in its own right. Early reactions to the trailer have praised its emotional nuance and evocative visual style, positioning it as one of the most anticipated indie debuts in the region.
Representing a New Era
Sara Talab represents a new wave of Saudi filmmakers bringing their own voice, vision, and sensitivity to the screen. Her strength lies not only in her artistic eye but in her understanding of the filmmaking process from the inside out.
She doesn’t set out to speak for a generation—but through her work, she reflects the growing ambition of young Arab creatives finding space in the industry on their own terms. As a Saudi director, she takes pride in presenting her culture with honesty and care, aiming to craft stories that feel emotionally true and visually grounded.
With each film, she continues to explore what it means to represent her country through cinema, not by following a formula, but by trusting her instincts and growing through the process.
What’s Next?
Following the critical buzz around Hajeer, many are watching closely to see what Sara Talab will do next. Whether it’s a new feature, a run on the festival circuit, or global collaborations, one thing is clear: her journey as a director is only just beginning.
To follow her evolving body of work, visit Sara Talab on IMDb and connect with her on social platforms for news on upcoming projects.
If you wish to contact Sara Talab for a professional project, you can reach her via Instagram: Sara Talab
