"Within Sand": First Saudi film shot in Neom pays tribute to Bedouin heritage

 

First Saudi film shot in Neom highlights Bedouin heritage

For years, a tale has resonated across Saudi Arabia's landscapes. It tells of a young tobacco merchant traversing the desert alone, only to be ambushed by thieves, leaving him stripped of his camel, provisions, and defenses. Alone and facing dire circumstances, he discovers he's being pursued by a wolf.

This legend serves as the foundation for "Within Sand," the inaugural Saudi film entirely shot in Neom and helmed by emerging Saudi director Moe Alatawi. Though its cinematic debut is scheduled for February 15, following its premiere at the Al Ain Film Festival in the UAE this week, the film's wide release has been eagerly awaited. Garnering accolades at the Red Sea International Film Festival in 2022, including the jury prize in Jeddah, it shares the stage with box-office hits like Saudi's "Sattar" and Kuwait's "How I Got There."

 

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The narrative closely follows the myth – 23-year-old Snam, opting for a quicker route, parts ways with his companions only to return from a hunt to find two men rifling through his camel's packs.

While the film delves into building its world, the early sequences lack gripping tension, with occasional stilted cuts amid lengthy dialogues, leaving audiences yearning for the promised thrill. However, the sumptuous cinematography ensures visual engagement, maintaining interest.

Subsequently, it transitions into a familiar tale of survival akin to Jack London's works. Snam's quest for sustenance, water, and fire sets the stage, but the arrival of the film's most compelling character, the wolf, transforms the narrative, fostering a unique bond that alters both man and beast.

 

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"Nelson, the wolf from Horkai Centre in Hungary, became an integral part of our cast by the third day of filming," Alatawi shares. "We all felt his absence when we filmed his final scene."

Watching the film, viewers share a similar sentiment. The wolf effortlessly steals every scene, against the backdrop of sand and towering rock formations, rendering this perhaps the most visually stunning Saudi production to date.

Alatawi's ensemble cast, comprising up-and-coming talents such as Adwa Fahd (Netflix's "From the Ashes"), Muhand Alsaleh, Fatima Alsharif, and Obaid Alwadaani, is anchored by newcomer Ra’ed Alshammari as Snam. While the performances are commendable, none emerge as breakout stars.

 

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The true stars of "Within Sand" are the landscapes and Saudi Arabia's rich heritage. Shot in Tabuk, Neom's northwest coast, the film's budget seems inconceivable, as every frame exudes majestic beauty, reminiscent of American Westerns filmed in Monument Valley. 

Yet, Alatawi's prowess extends beyond scenic shots. The meticulous attention to detail shines through in costumes and art direction, reminiscent of Saudi designer Abdulrahman Abed's creations for Qormuz, injecting vibrant colors into the big screen, often overlooked by modern filmmakers.

It's evident that Alatawi, fascinated by tangible elements, cares deeply about nuances. In one scene, Snam stumbles upon his compatriots' abandoned camp and discovers an old camera, pondering its purpose. Both Snam and the camera linger, conveying a palpable sense of wonder, as well as a distinct sense of time and place.

 

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This film serves as a heartfelt homage to a bygone Saudi era, celebrating music, people, and traditions. Even in quieter moments preceding Snam's predicament, there are captivating elements, such as the men observing sand dunes to gauge wind patterns, reflecting the filmmaker's genuine curiosity and understanding.

Rather than an outsider's creation devoid of insight, "Within Sand" emerges as a testament to a filmmaker's eagerness to amplify his culture's voice. Produced with a crew that was 60% Saudi, featuring two female Saudi producers, the film collaborated closely with the Bani Attiya tribe, capturing Bedouin heritage and wisdom.

Based on a single desert tale, countless stories remain untold. With films like "Within Sand" leading the way, anticipation abounds for the narratives yet to unfold.

Source: https://www.thenationalnews.com/