Although she graduated from the college of art at Cairo University in Egypt, Hayfa Mansour decided to change directions and become a film director. She made two short films, "Al-Saffah" and "Painful Departure." The first one was shown at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival and the second at the Ismailia International Film Festival. She talked about her work to Sayidaty.
"Al-Saffah" is a film taken from Arabic literature. The story deals with a rumor about a serial killer in a certain area. She took this film to the Abu Dhabi Film Festival where it was the only Saudi film.
Q: Did you show your work to foreign critics before you took it to Abu Dhabi?
A: Yes, I did. I showed it to more than one and I benefited greatly from their criticisms.
Q: What about the second film?
A: It is entitled, "Painful Departure" and is about people who leave the country to live in the city. It shows how they miss the simple country life. This particular film concerns itself with a young man who decided to leave his mother and go to the city. He left his village and never returned. The film is only 12 minutes long. I don't expect to win any prizes with it; I just wanted to grab the attention of some reviewers.
Q: Why did you decide to produce short movies?
A: Longer ones require a lot of experience, a lot of effort and a lot of money. I need to start with short films because I am a beginner and I need experience.
Q: Who are the producers you want to work with?
A: All of them,, including Enam Muhammad Ali, Sandra Nashat, Najdat Anzor, and the Tunisian producer, Mufedah Al-Telali.
Q: Who are the actors in your films?
A: New actors with both talent and energy.
Q: What about working with famous Saudi actors?
A: As I said, I am still a beginner and I do not think that famous actors will work with me at this time. My work is not aimed at present at making money but at making a name for Saudi cinema by participating in film festivals.
Q: Do you think there will ever be a Saudi cinema?
A: Everything needs time. A Saudi cinema needs money and good actors. I believe that it will happen.
Q: What about cinema in the Gulf?
A: Kuwait is the leader. The UAE has made a good start with the film, "Al-Johara."
Q: What about the scarcity of Saudi actresses?
A: That is a problem I have already had to face. Since I found none, I myself had to perform.
Q: Since you had the experience of directing and acting at the same time, how do you see yourself?
A: I see my self as a director despite the fact that it needs great effort and clear thinking. And of course acting needs talent.
— Arab News Review 13 November 2003