‘Reversal of Roles: My Driver & I Stars Switched On-Screen in Ahd Kamel’s Intimate Saudi Film’

My Driver & I is a heartfelt film by Saudi writer-director-actress Ahd Kamel, set in 1980s and 1990s Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It tells the story of a rebellious girl and her Sudanese chauffeur who form an unlikely friendship, tested when she starts to take control of the wheel.

Producers Georgie Paget and Thembisa Cochrane bring this coming-of-age movie, inspired by Kamel’s childhood, to the screen. The film premiered at the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) as part of the Arab Spectacular Program.

The cast includes talented actors like Saudi actress Roula Dakheelallah, playing Salma, and Sudan’s Mustafa Shehata as driver Gamar, along with Mishaal Tamer, Rana Alamuddine, and Qusai Kheder.

Dakheelallah and Shehata praised Kamel’s direction, with Dakheelallah noting the unique experience of working with a Saudi director and actress. Shehata expressed his love for the story and Kamel’s soulful direction.

Despite never meeting before the film, Dakheelallah admired Shehata’s talent and thanked him for his work. The two actors spent time rehearsing and exploring Jeddah to strengthen their on-screen chemistry.

The film portrays a time before the lifting of the ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia, allowing the actors to immerse themselves in their characters. Dakheelallah shared how she introduced Jeddah to Shehata, reversing their roles as driver and passenger.

Shehata humorously noted the similarities between Dakheelallah and her character, with both being stubborn. The film captures a poignant story of friendship and empowerment against the backdrop of societal change in Saudi Arabia.



Source link