Saad Tahaitah, a Saudi filmmaker, is preparing to present his evocative short documentary Aseer Memory at the prestigious Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah. The film delves deeply into the cultural fabric of Saudi Arabia's Asir region, focusing on the life and work of Mohammed Al-Matali, a passionate local historian dedicated to preserving the region’s invaluable heritage.
In an exclusive interview, Tahaitah shared his perspective on the film’s core themes, which revolve around the intersection of cultural identity and the importance of safeguarding local history. At the heart of the narrative is Al-Matali, who dedicates his life to curating his father's extensive library, a treasure trove of ancient books and rare documents that serve as essential links to the rich history of the Asir region. This 18-minute documentary invites viewers into Al-Matali's world of books, history, and memory, as he strives to ensure that the past is not lost to time.
Tahaitah, reflecting on his filmmaking career, explained that his journey into documentaries began about eight years ago. "What always inspires me is the story of people and their places. It's a significant motivation for me to create films," he said. For Tahaitah, the stories of people rooted in their land and culture provide the foundation for powerful filmmaking.
The director’s fascination with Al-Matali’s life and work stemmed from the profound legacy Al-Matali is preserving. Tahaitah believes that Al-Matali’s dedication will resonate even more in the future, solidifying the cultural impact of his efforts. "The film serves as a means to extend and preserve the work he has been doing for decades," Tahaitah stated. The significance of Al-Matali’s work is immense, as he preserves irreplaceable historical documents, photographs, and videos of the Asir region's petroglyphs and ancient forts. Moreover, in his ongoing project, Al-Matali is rediscovering and documenting forgotten street names from local villages, with the aim of restoring them to their rightful places in the community’s memory.
“Aseer Memory” will be showcased among a selection of international films at the Red Sea International Film Festival, with entries hailing from countries such as South Korea and the United States. Tahaitah hopes that the film will introduce festivalgoers to the rich cultural heritage of the Asir region, a part of Saudi Arabia that remains largely unknown to many in the global audience. "I want to show the world the depth of our culture and heritage, particularly that of the Asir region. The film highlights events and documents dating back hundreds of years, showcasing the way of life of people from generations ago," said Tahaitah.
For the filmmaker, documentaries represent a powerful means of storytelling. "Documenting our culture and human experiences will create an enduring memory of the region. Films have the power to immortalize these stories," he said, underscoring the lasting impact of preserving local culture and history through the cinematic lens.