Film review: ‘My Driver & I’

Film review: ‘My Driver & I’
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Updated 24 April 2025
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Film review: ‘My Driver & I’

Film review: ‘My Driver & I’

The winner of the Best Feature Film at the 11th Saudi Film Festival, which concluded earlier this month, “My Driver & I” (Salma and Gamar), directed by Saudi Arabia’s own Ahd Kamel, is a poignant coming-of-age story set in 1980s and 1990s Jeddah.

The film follows Salma, raised as an only child in a villa. Her globe-trotting father (played by legendary Saudi hip-hop artist Qusai “Don Legend” Kheder) indulges her with stacks of music cassette tapes from his international travels. Salma’s Palestinian mother (Rana Alamuddin) initially appears overly-strict but a soft undercurrent eventually reveals itself.

The heart of the film lies in Salma’s bond with Gamar (Mustafa Shahata), a newly hired Sudanese driver and father to a one-year-old child back in Sudan. Though tasked with taking Salma to school, Gamar becomes her protector, confidant and quiet guide through life.

Salma is portrayed as a very young girl by Tarah Al-Hakeem and later, as a teenager, by Roula Dakheelallah.

Gamar, too, has a relationship with cassette tapes — but for a very different reason. His wife back home cannot read, so he sends her audio recordings filled with updates and declarations of love for her and their child. Despite the distance and longing, he makes the difficult decision to stay in Jeddah until Salma graduates high school, sacrificing his own time with his family in the process.

One might be reminded of the classic 1989 American film “Driving Miss Daisy,” which followed the decades-long relationship between an elderly white Southern woman and her Black driver in mid-20th-century Atlanta. But while parallels can be drawn in terms of companionship and class, “My Driver & I” is a distinctly Saudi story — rooted in a different era, place and dynamic.

Kamel has said in interviews that the film is inspired by her own relationship with her childhood driver.

As Salma matures, the innocence of her world begins to fray. Still in high school, a shy flirtation with a teen boy (played by pop star Mishaal Tamer) causes tension between her and Gamar.

While some parts of the story may seem stretched or lengthy, it feels like a road — meandering, unfolding in its own time.

Kamel is no stranger to the screen. Best known for her acting role in the BAFTA-nominated “Wadjda” (2012), Saudi Arabia’s first feature film, “My Driver & I” marks her directorial debut.

While “Wadjda” centered on a girl longing to ride a bicycle, this film replaces the bike with a car — and, at one point, even a jet ski. In both films, the story is rooted in a Saudi girl’s perspective.

Raised in Jeddah, Kamel moved to New York City for higher education; she studied law at Columbia University and then animation and communication at Parsons, and obtained a directing degree from New York Film Academy. It was while in the US that she learned of her childhood driver’s passing and began writing “My Driver & I” as a homage — to him, and to the city they shared.

Gamar, which translates to “moon,” can be seen as reflecting Salma’s ball of sunshine.

He does not just drive her from place to place, he shows her the road — both literal and emotional. And she provides the soundtrack.


Kneecap say Glastonbury slot at risk after terrorism charge

Kneecap say Glastonbury slot at risk after terrorism charge
Updated 23 May 2025
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Kneecap say Glastonbury slot at risk after terrorism charge

Kneecap say Glastonbury slot at risk after terrorism charge
  • Group member scheduled to appear in court on June 18

DUBAI: The Irish rap group Kneecap said this week that efforts are ongoing to block their appearance at Glastonbury this summer, following a surprise show held just one day after one of their members was charged with a terrorism-related offence.

During their performance at London’s 100 Club on Thursday night, the trio said they were being made a “scapegoat” because they “spoke about the genocide (in Gaza)” at Coachella in April.

Group member Liam Og O Hannaidh was charged on Wednesday with a terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in London in November 2024. The rapper performs under the stage name Mo Chara and he is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on June 18.

The police force’s counter-terrorism command was made aware on April 22 of an online video from the event and then carried out an investigation. After that, the Crown Prosecution Service authorized the charge. 

The group posted on social media and said in a statement: “We deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves. This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction.”

They added: “14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us.

“This is a carnival of distraction. We are not the story, genocide is.”

Hours after the charge was filed, Kneecap announced a last-minute gig that reportedly sold out in 90 seconds, with 2,000 people on the waiting list. 

Chara took to the stage at 9 p.m. with tape over his mouth in a symbolic protest. He suggested the timing of the charge was deliberate, saying it came just ahead of their scheduled Glastonbury appearance.

He said: “There’s a reason why what’s happened to me happened before Glastonbury. There’s a reason they’re trying to … stop me speaking at Glastonbury in front of the UK.”


Review: ‘Lilo and Stitch’ returns with heart, hula and a whole lot of charm

Review: ‘Lilo and Stitch’ returns with heart, hula and a whole lot of charm
Updated 23 May 2025
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Review: ‘Lilo and Stitch’ returns with heart, hula and a whole lot of charm

Review: ‘Lilo and Stitch’ returns with heart, hula and a whole lot of charm
  • Homage to 2002 classic while vibrantly fresh
  • Maia Kealoha, 8, playing Lilo steals the show

DUBAI: The new “Lilo & Stitch” reboot honors the 2002 classic while giving it a vibrant look and feel for a new generation.

With stunning animation, amazing casting, and a deep sense of nostalgia, the film strikes an emotional chord from the opening frame.

With the original film being one of the most beloved Disney classics, there was a lot of pressure riding on this remake, especially considering the inconsistency in the latest Disney productions.

 

 

Visually, the animation is outstandingly expressive.

The Hawaiian landscapes practically glow and the redesigns of Stitch and his alien companions retain their mischievous charm, even with the updated disguises for Jumba Pleakley.

Although many were not happy with these changes, I personally loved the scene of them learning how to walk as humans.

The emotional core of the film, however, remains unchanged: the powerful bond between sisters Lilo and Nani.

Their dynamic is portrayed with warmth and honesty, balancing cheeky sibling rivalry moments with sincere, tender ones.

The comedic timing is spot-on throughout the movie but is not overdone to the point where it becomes cringey.

Casting is another major win.

The new ensemble delivers energy and heart, with the debuting young actress, Maia Kealoha, 8, playing Lilo stealing the show. She captures Lilo’s quirky spirit, fiery independence and emotional depth perfectly.

While longtime fans may note a few subtle updates to the characters and plot, the film stays true to its core message of family, belonging, and unconditional love.

The film really tugs at the heart strings and may even leave one teary-eyed at some points.

Reintroducing the beloved story to a new generation, “Lilo and Stitch” is a must-watch this summer.


Kneecap describes terror offence charge as ‘political policing’

Kneecap describes terror offence charge as ‘political policing’
Updated 22 May 2025
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Kneecap describes terror offence charge as ‘political policing’

Kneecap describes terror offence charge as ‘political policing’

DUBAI: Northern Irish rap group Kneecap, who recently made headlines for their support for Palestine at California’s Coachella music festival, have described a terror offence charge against one of their members as “political policing.” 

“14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us,” the group said in a statement on X on Thursday. “This is a carnival of distraction. We are not the story, genocide is.”

On Wednesday, group member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was charged with a terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in London in November 2024. The rapper performs under the stage name Mo Chara and he is scheduled to appear at Westminster magistrates court on June 18 in London. 

The rapper is accused of displaying the flag at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town on Nov. 21, 2024, “in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation,” London’s Metropolitan police said. 

The police force’s counter-terrorism command was made aware on April 22 of an online video from the event and then carried out an investigation. After that, the Crown Prosecution Service authorized the charge. 

“A charge not serious enough to even warrant their crown court, instead a court that doesn’t have a jury. What’s the objective? To restrict our ability to travel. To prevent us speaking to young people across the world. To silence voices of compassion. To prosecute artists who dare speak out,” the band said in a statement this week.


MDLBEAST Brings Guns N’ Roses to Saudi Arabia: A new era for rock music in the Kingdom 

MDLBEAST Brings Guns N’ Roses to Saudi Arabia: A new era for rock music in the Kingdom 
Updated 22 May 2025
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MDLBEAST Brings Guns N’ Roses to Saudi Arabia: A new era for rock music in the Kingdom 

MDLBEAST Brings Guns N’ Roses to Saudi Arabia: A new era for rock music in the Kingdom 

RIYADH: MDLBEAST has made headlines by bringing renowned heavy metal and rock bands to Saudi Arabia, including Metallica, Linkin Park and Muse.

This time, they are hosting a May 23 concert featuring Guns N’ Roses, the iconic American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1985. This collaboration is part of the band’s 2025 global tour, which includes stops in the Middle East.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by MDLBEAST (@mdlbeast)

Rayan Al-Rasheed, director of operations and artist booking at MDLBEAST, emphasized the significance of the event: “Saudi Arabia has become a key destination for global music acts. By hosting legendary artists like Guns N’ Roses, we aim to elevate the Kingdom’s presence in the global music scene.”

The introduction of rock music to the Saudi music landscape acknowledges a genre that has long had a strong presence in the country, according to the executive.

“The popularity of bands like Metallica and Linkin Park shows that rock has deep roots here,” Al-Rasheed said.

Local metal brands, such as Heavy Arabia, further validate this influence by showcasing the vibrant regional rock scene.

The anticipation surrounding the Guns N’ Roses concert at Kingdom Arena, which holds about 27,000 people, is immense. “This concert is set to be one of the biggest events we’ve powered to date,” Al-Rasheed said.

Previous events, including concerts at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix featuring artists such as Jennifer Lopez, have drawn large crowds, highlighting the strong fanbase in the Kingdom.

Success for these events is measured not just by ticket sales but by their cultural impact. “Local, regional, and global media coverage reflects the significance of such events,” Al-Rasheed said.

The trend of cultural tourism, with attendees traveling from across Saudi Arabia and beyond, underscores the importance of these concerts.

Live music plays a crucial role in fostering community and cultural exchange. “It brings people together from diverse backgrounds, creating collective experiences that transcend language and borders,” Al-Rasheed said.


Live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch’ made with ‘love and authenticity,’ says producer 

Live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch’ made with ‘love and authenticity,’ says producer 
Updated 22 May 2025
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Live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch’ made with ‘love and authenticity,’ says producer 

Live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch’ made with ‘love and authenticity,’ says producer 

DUBAI: The beloved Disney animated classic “Lilo & Stitch” — about a six-year-old orphaned Hawaiian girl and her troublemaking alien pet — is set to captivate audiences once again with a live-action adaptation released this week. 

Director Dean Fleischer Camp and producer Jonathan Eirich are both driven by a deep love for the original film, released in 2002.  

“It’s always been my favorite animated Disney movie,” Fleischer Camp revealed to Arab News. “I saw it when it came out and immediately fell in love with it, like so many people did.” 

Eirich described signing on Fleischer Camp as “kismet,” adding, “It really is about finding storytellers that are fans of the original, that can honor it so every single choice along the way is going to be made with love and authenticity. If you do that right, and make the thing that you love, then hopefully the audience will feel the same.” 

Eirich noted the growing nostalgia surrounding Stitch, observing how the character has been increasingly appearing in popular culture.  

“We started seeing backpacks and merchandise everywhere,” he explained. “It felt like the right moment to revisit this story, but we knew we had to get it right. We asked ourselves what elements fans would be upset about losing.” This philosophy guided the creative process, ensuring the film would feel both familiar and fresh.  

Certain iconic moments from the animated version were non-negotiable. The hammock scene with Lilo’s older sister Nani singing and the final beach scene were particularly important. 

“The scene when Nani sings ‘Aloha Hawaii’ was a real tearjerker in the original, and it’s a beautiful moment. But it also seems like, with a live-action adaptation, there’s an opportunity to kind of deepen it and really make it something new, while also capturing the beautiful spirit of that scene,” said Fleischer Camp. 

For Eirich, Stitch’s famous quote about finding his own ‘family’ was a clear keeper.  

“The line ‘Broken but still good’ had to be in there,” he said. “It’s the heart of the story.”