DUBAI: A new docuseries from Saudi Arabia’s XP Music Futures, titled “ASHOO,” delves deep into the Kingdom’s burgeoning music scene.
Directed by Chndy and Abu Hamdan and created in collaboration with Badiya Studio, the series “unveils the sounds and untold stories of the Kingdom’s streets, offering viewers an authentic and unfiltered look at the cultural landscape of Saudi music,” according to a press statement.
The six-episode series — which launched its first episode on Aug. 10 — features intimate interviews with key music figures who have played a significant role in shaping the country’s musical identity.
As Saudi National Day approaches, the docuseries aims to serve as a celebration of the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Chndy and Hamdan said in a statement: “In this project, we believe these stories are important and often overlooked. Our aim was to capture them as authentically and honestly as possible by allowing the people to tell their own stories in their own words. Through this approach, we have been able to showcase the raw emotions, passion, history, and love that these individuals have for their craft and interests.
“It was essential to us to preserve the integrity of their narratives, providing a window into their worlds that is both genuine and powerful,” they added.
Two episodes have been released so far. The first, titled “Jalsat Tarab,” is an introduction to the world of traditional drums and harmonic melodies, where a group of musicians showcase their craft, honed over years of improvisation and passion.
The second episode, titled “Khabiti” and released last week, offers a journey into Saudi folk music and culture, higlighting how artistic heritage remains a vital part of the national identity.
New episodes will drop weekly, with the final episode expected on Saudi National Day on Sept. 23.
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LOS ANGELES: Alana Hadid, often only recognized as the sister of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid, is amplifying her own voice for the Palestinian cause.
Deeply passionate about her heritage, Hadid has been using her platform to bring attention to the struggles of the Palestinian people, particularly in the light of the ongoing events in Gaza.
Her activism is not restricted to just the online space; it is a deeply personal commitment to highlighting the stories that matter, she said.
“I was always hearing stories, stories about the cities and the towns that their ancestors helped build. The lives that they had and their lives as refugees and then eventually in the United States.
“But I was very proud, always proud of being a Palestinian. That was what I learned as a child,” Hadid told Arab News.
Shifting her focus to filmmaking, Hadid — along with brothers Badie Ali and Hamza Ali — co-founded Watermelon Pictures, a production company with a mission to create compelling, impactful stories that resonate with global audiences.
Through her work in film, she aims to bridge the gap between mainstream media and the often-overlooked narratives of the Palestinian people.
“I was honored to be asked to be the creative director of Watermelon Pictures. I think it’s not only a passion project for Hamza and Badie, but it is an opportunity for Palestinians to have a place to go to tell their stories.
“I get emotional about it. I think it’s just one of the most beautiful things that people have a place where they can put their stories. And we know that we have a safe place for that,” said Hadid.
The production company’s debut project, the 2024 documentary “Walled Off,” delves into the realities of life under occupation, offering a poignant and raw look at the experiences of Palestinians.
“The Waldorf Hotel’s design is by the graffiti artist Banksy. It contains a secret museum. And essentially the hotel has a view of what we call the worst view in the world, the apartheid wall.
“So really, this hotel provides the framework for the film and just demonstrates the difficulty of living under military occupation,” said Hadid.
Through this film and her future projects, Hadid seeks to amplify marginalized voices and bring a human face to the political issues that often dominate headlines.
“Watch our social media and our website to see what’s coming next. But we have a lot of stories. We haven’t heard these stories and these stories have been censored for so long.
“So, we’ve been flooded with not only movies that have already been made that really need to be seen, but also with filmmakers, actors, editors. And we’re really excited to just be a hub for that for Palestinians,” she said.
