- Saudi’s Al-Banawi is an acclaimed actress, director
- Debut feature ‘Basma’ on Netflix making headlines
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia actress and director Fatima Al-Banawi is now the brand ambassador for Montblanc.
The star recently shared pictures on her Instagram profile posing with products from the brand, including writing instruments, leather goods and accessories.
In the images, she is seen in different settings: holding a pen and notebook while seated on a cushioned chair; and dressed in a trench coat with a notebook and leather backpack beside her.
She is also pictured at a desk with postcards, a fountain pen, and leather stationery items; and standing by a window wearing a blazer while carrying a leather portfolio and wearing a watch.
This marks another major brand collaboration for Al-Banawi, who previously appeared in Estee Lauder’s 2023 campaign “Together We Shine,” celebrating Arab women.
Al-Banawi first gained prominence for her role in the 2016 drama “Barakah Meets Barakah.” She also starred in the Egyptian Netflix series “Paranormal.”
In 2020, she directed her first short film, “Until We See Light.” That same year, she co-wrote, co-directed and starred in “Al-Shak,” a Shahid Original series, which she shot fully from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She has been making headlines recently for her film “Basma,” which premiered on Netflix in June.
The movie marks Al-Banawi’s debut as a feature film director. She also wrote the screenplay, contributed an original song to the soundtrack, and played the lead.
The film follows a young Saudi woman who returns to her hometown of Jeddah after two years studying in the US, only to discover that her parents have divorced without telling her.
The story explores her emotional reckoning with the past, including her father’s mental illness and the impact it had on the family. The role of her father, Dr. Adly, is played by Yasir Al-Sasi.
As she reconnects with her family, Basma is distraught to learn that her beloved father has moved out — and worse, that most of the family members are reluctant to visit him.
Convinced that all he needs is the love and care of family, she decides to move in with him, defying the advice of her mother Hind (Shaima), brother Waleed (Tared Sindi), and uncle Hamza (Mohammed Essam).
The reunion turns out to be quite challenging.
BY: The Times Union
