#Saudi Arabia #AlUla #Mana Almajd #When the Shelves Hymn #AlUla Creates

When the Shelves Hymn: A Powerful Reflection on Grief

Mana Almajd, a prominent figure in the film industry, has taken on the dual roles of co-writer and star in the poignant short film, When the Shelves Hymn. This significant work is garnering attention as it prepares for its screening at not one, but two notable film festivals: the 11th Saudi Film Festival and the Oscar-qualifying Alexandria International Short Film Festival. The film embodies a personal narrative that viewers can deeply resonate with, touching upon themes of grief, silence, and emotional inheritance.

Energetically developed under Film AlUla's AlUla Creates initiative, When the Shelves Hymn fervently tackles mental health issues through the lens of raw and powerful storytelling. The film follows a mother and her son, navigating the heart-wrenching aftermath of the father's mysterious disappearance. This emotional exploration uses silence to account for unspoken truths, painting a vivid picture of how grief can be inherited across generations.

Almajd elaborates on the film's essence, stating, "This project was deeply personal for many of us involved. It touches on mental health in a quiet but urgent way. We're honored to have it seen at these two festivals, and it's just the beginning. There are more stories we're developing between Saudi and the U.S., and I hope this opens the door for more creative exchange."

Initially presented at the Red Sea International Film Festival in the New Saudi/New Cinema Shorts category, the film has experienced a remarkable journey within the festival circuit, affirming its relevance and emotional depth. The project, co-written by a mother-daughter duo, not only emphasizes intergenerational storytelling but also aims to destigmatize conversations surrounding mental health through art. Almajd and her creative partner Hanaa Saleh Alfassi, who also directs the film, had previously achieved recognition at the Red Sea Souk, winning the award for the Best TV Project and showcasing their capability to tell compelling stories.

Adding to the film's richness, Moayad Abu Alkhair serves as the producer, with contributions from Alwaleed Alsalhi through Millimeter Productions. The cast includes notable performances from Ayman Samman, known for his roles in American Sniper and SWAT, as well as Emad Amer, making his first on-screen appearance. Almajd's portrayal is marked by an intensity that brings an authentic representation of the experiences shared by the characters.

The visual narrative is significantly shaped by the renowned fashion designer Nicola Formichetti, who has worked with prestigious brands like Haus of Gaga and Diesel. His expertise in character-driven costuming has ensured that the film boldly stands out, complementing the story's emotional range.

The film received international mentorship from James Richardson, co-founder of Vertigo Films, renowned for his work on titles like Bronson and Monsters. Furthermore, it has garnered additional support from celebrated Saudi filmmaker Haifaa Al-Mansour, known for her acclaimed works Wadjda and The Perfect Candidate. With Front Row Filmed Entertainment managing distribution, When the Shelves Hymn is set to gain visibility on both regional and international platforms.

As the world anticipates its screening, When the Shelves Hymn not only marks a pivotal moment for its filmmakers but also adds a vital voice to the ongoing dialogue about grief, mental health, and the shared burden of unresolved issues that extend beyond generations. The film's festival journey is just the start, with the hope of paving the way for more meaningful narratives that bridge creative communities across borders.