Making history: Middle Eastern women in film industry

Filmmaking is never easy, but the struggle will be much harder if you are a woman, was the popular opinion aired by panellists at the MEIFF discussions on Sunday.

Noted female filmmakers — including Kuwaiti filmmaker Shaikha Al Zain Al Sabah, Indian director Deepa Mehta, and UAE's sole female film producer Nayla Al Khaja — said the key was to stay focused. They said that overcoming inbuilt challenges in a male-dominated entertainment industry should be the next step. "Let us face it. It has been an all-boys club for the longest time. So I think the Emirati women need all the support they can get. I wish them all the best," said Mehta. More than 50 students from various colleges had gathered to be a part of the discussion.

Recounting her struggle in the initial days, Nayla said the journey has been a challenging one.

"My family is traditional and when I said I want to go into films they were afraid. There were no other examples to follow. I wasn't following in anyone's footsteps." The discussion continued well after the panel discussion came to a close. Hina Latif, a journalism student at Middlesex University, said she was deeply inspired.

"The key is to take baby steps. These women have motivated all of us to try hard and succeed."

The discussion was held as a part of the MEIFF's Circle Conference.