JEDDAH: Lebanese Palestinian director Lama Jarkas unveiled her short film “Diaa Shamsi” at the Red Sea International Film Festival this week, exploring the struggles between a mother and daughter as the latter seeks to spread her wings.
In an interview with Arab News, Jarkas elaborated on the film’s themes and her motivations for telling the emotionally turbulent story.
Over 17 minutes, “Diaa Shamsi” follows the struggles of a young woman named Diaa, aged 17. She feels suffocated by her narcissistic mother, a woman more concerned with her appearance and societal opinion than with her daughter’s well-being. Tensions escalate when Diaa, on the verge of graduating from high school, expresses her desire to take a part-time job as a corporate writer, only to face her mother’s rejection over worries about public opinion.
Jarkas delves into the complexity of the mother-daughter relationship, emphasizing that “narcissism manifests differently in everyone.” She aims to explore the emotional conflicts arising from such dynamics: “Many individuals struggle with the effects of narcissistic parenting, which can lead to issues like low self-esteem,” she said.
The film, which she describes as deeply personal, marks her directorial debut. It was crafted during her sophomore year at Jeddah's Effat University and bringing it to a film festival such as RSIFF, with its roster of international talent, has been a milestone.
Jarkas said she was “eager to see how the audience connects with it. I hope viewers resonate with its themes and characters on a deeper level,” and emphasized the importance of authentic regional storytelling.
“I aim to highlight the diverse narratives that exist within Saudi culture. While my film may not represent every individual, it’s a story that many can connect with or relate to in some way. By exploring the complex and challenging dynamics of the mother-daughter relationship, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of emotional struggles,” she said.
“The complexities of family dynamics can be challenging, and I want viewers to walk away with a greater appreciation for the importance of support and understanding in pursuing one’s dreams.”
Speaking of her role as a filmmaker in shaping the perception and understanding of Saudi culture, she added: “Every artist has a crucial part in sharing the stories of their culture. As a Lebanese Palestinian raised in Jeddah, I feel a responsibility to highlight the diverse narratives within Saudi Arabia. By doing so, I aim to deepen understanding and appreciation of the region’s richness and complexity.”
