Destination KSA - Your Guide to Saudi

Destination KSA - Your Guide to Saudi

Lamar Feddan and Khairiya Nazmi Discuss Their Roles in Hijra

Lamar Feddan and Khairiya Nazmi Discuss Their Roles in Hijra

Explore the world of “Hijra” through Lamar Feddan and Khairiya Nazmi’s perspectives. Lamar shares her role as Jana, while Khairiya discusses the film’s portrayal of Saudi women. Learn about their experiences filming in AlUla and collaborating with director Shahad Amin.


 

Lamar Feddan

Lamar Feddan and Khairiya Nazmi Discuss Their Roles in Hijra

Can you tell us about your character’s role in “Hijra” and how you prepared for it?

I play the role of Jana, the grandmother’s young granddaughter. I prepared for this role for two months with Shahad, the director, to gain a deeper understanding of the character. Every day, after rehearsals, I would think about Jana, her likes, and how she would react in different situations to fully grasp her personality. I even wrote about Jana’s past to convince myself that I truly am Jana.

 

What aspects of the Saudi women’s experience portrayed in the film do you find most compelling or thought-provoking?

My grandmother’s character in the movie is deeply rooted and has faced many problems, including her granddaughter running away. Despite this, she never gave up and kept searching for her. Jana, who is only 12 years old, has also endured significant life experiences and faced challenges that are typically only manageable for adults.

 

Filming in AlUla must have been an incredible experience. Could you share a standout moment or memory from your time on set?

AlUla was the best filming location because we could enjoy the stunning scenery around us. My favorite moment was on our day off when we visited AlHarra. Seeing AlUla from above was breathtaking and truly amazing.

 

Shahad Ameen’s direction is often praised for its authenticity and depth. How did you find working with her, and what insights did she bring to your performance?

Working with Shahad Amin was an enjoyable and smooth experience; she was always patient with me. In challenging scenes, Shahad would explain everything clearly and support me until I got it right. She gave me valuable advice about how Jana’s breathing changes in different situations, like stress. I practiced and wrote down these feelings until I fully understood how to portray them, knowing how Jana’s breathing would change during fear and decision-making moments.

 

“Hijra” explores themes of identity, freedom, and societal expectations. How do you think these themes will resonate with viewers?

Everyone has a different definition of freedom. What we can do is try to explain our decisions positively to the people we love and who matter most to us, because we never know when we might lose them and regret our actions while they were still with us.

 

As an actor, how do you approach portraying characters that may challenge or confront societal norms?

As long as the character does not insult my country or religion, I am willing to portray it. Such a character could be part of society and convey an important message.

 

Khairiya Nazmi

Lamar Feddan and Khairiya Nazmi Discuss Their Roles in Hijra

Can you give us an overview of your character’s journey in “Hijra” and what attracted you to this role?

What attracted me to her is her complexity. She portrays several conflicting emotions that change through different stages depending on her circumstances.

 

What aspects of your character do you find most challenging or rewarding to portray?

It’s a challenging journey, both physically and psychologically. The hardest part is that it is very different from my true personality.

 

“Hijra” is said to delve deep into the lives of Saudi women. How do you feel this film contributes to portraying their narratives authentically?

Yes, the film explored the stories of Saudi women in an honest way. It greatly contributed to their narrative and showcased a credible and genuine representation of women in Saudi Arabia.

 

What was the most memorable moment for you while filming in AlUla? Were there any challenges unique to shooting in that location?

The most unforgettable moment was when I was so awestruck by the beauty and grandeur of the AlUla mountains that I momentarily forgot to stay in character.

Shahad Ameen is renowned for her unique storytelling. How was your experience collaborating with her, and what do you think sets her apart as a director?

Working with Ms. Shahad was a fresh and enriching experience. I gained valuable insights from her. She was cooperative and dedicated, ensuring we were well-prepared. Her energy, precision, perseverance, and attention to detail set her apart.

 

In what ways do you think “Hijra” will resonate with audiences, both in Saudi Arabia and internationally?

I believe the film will resonate with the audience for several reasons. These include the profound and magnificent portrayal of the history and lives of Saudi women during that era, the high quality of direction and production, the dedication of the actors, the teamwork among the crew, and the breathtaking views of the Kingdom’s tourist and archaeological sites.

 

As an actress, how do you navigate the balance between portraying authentic narratives while also ensuring they are respectful and sensitive to cultural nuances?

The film’s commitment to honesty and integrity in depicting events and characters is crucial for earning respect for the work. Ms. Shahad Amin and Mr. Muhammad Al-Daraji were particularly dedicated to this. Ultimately, I hope the film achieves success at festivals and resonates deeply with its audience.


 


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