The Saudi animated film “Wa Isjod Wa Iqtareb” (“Prostrate and Draw Near”) has garnered international acclaim by winning the “Animation That Matters” award during the Animaze Animation Day event at Marché du Film, the industry networking section of the Cannes Film Festival.
Directed, produced, and written by the mother-daughter team of Suraya Al-Shehry and Nabila Abuljadayel, the film was created through their production company, Suraya Productions. It explores a unique period during the COVID-19 pandemic when cleaning staff replaced the usual mix of international worshippers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Combining traditional art and 2-D animation, the film stands out for its distinctive subject matter. Al-Shehry noted the rarity of films focusing on Makkah and the Holy Mosque, particularly in animation. She expressed her joy and fulfilment in collaborating with her daughter on the project.
“In the history of cinema, there has been a noticeable lack of films focusing on Makkah and the Holy Mosque, particularly in the realm of animation. Collaborating with my daughter on our short animated film has brought me immense joy and a profound sense of fulfillment,” Al-Shehry said.
Wa Isjod Wa Iqtareb captures a significant moment in global and Islamic history by portraying the Grand Mosque empty of pilgrims, save for the cleaning and maintenance staff who uniquely had the opportunity to pray there during the pandemic lockdown.
Reflecting on the nearly two-year project, Abuljadayel emphasized the personal reward of working alongside her mother, an experience she values beyond any accolade.
“For me, the best reward was the chance to collaborate with my mother, an experience that transcends any accolade,” Abuljadayel shared.
She also highlighted that the award aligns with the film’s core message of celebrating shared humanity. “I firmly believe that what comes from the heart resonates with others, whether expressed through animation or my artwork, and the greatest testimony of that is the success of this film,” she added.
The creative duo is enthusiastic about continuing their success, with another project scheduled for completion next year.