JEDDAH: A Saudi film director has captivated audiences with his portrayal of the illustrious and unconventional career of Bahraini composer Khalid El Sheikh.
Khalid El-Sheikh, Two Fires, Between Art and Politics had its international premiere during the 3rd Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah on December 2nd.
Known for his pioneering musical style and defiance of social norms in the Gulf region, Bahraini composer El Sheikh has experienced a unique journey in the art world.
Directed by up-and-coming Saudi filmmaker Jamal Qutbi, the documentary provides deep insight into El-Sheikh’s personal and professional experiences. He connected the dots by interviewing various people who accompanied El-Sheikh on his artistic journey.
He told Arab News that the joy of filmmaking lies in gaining a deeper understanding of people, things and ideas. “It adds to the reality,” he said. “The world of filmmaking is a rare and magical thing.”
This collaboration between Saudi media company Tamania and King Abdulaziz World Culture Center has resulted in a fascinating depiction of the artist’s life.
Kutbi aimed to create an authentic documentary that showcases El Sheikh’s journey without over-dramatization.
He said: “We wanted the audience to enjoy the interludes as much as the narration and story. Visually, we were interested in the realism of the shots, and we wanted a full-fledged documentary that moved away from Netflix-style additions and scripted scenes. I made it.”
The production process lasted eight months and included filming in a variety of locations, including El Sheikh’s childhood home and his neighborhood in Bahrain. Kutobi’s ability to engage with the local community has enabled him to gather heartfelt interviews and stories.
“When the locals in Bahrain learned that I was from Mecca, they were very happy and talked to me easily,” he said. “They reminisce about their Hajj and Umrah experiences without any hesitation or formality. My difference in dialect sparked conversation and gave me the opportunity to open up to them.”
He added, “I am grateful to them for giving me their precious time.”
Kutbi brought an entertaining journalistic approach from the 1980s to the film, capturing the nostalgia for the El-Sheikh era common to different generations.
“Khaled is a hard artist to surpass and this is reason enough for me to make him the main character of this film. He was willing to share every detail and little story of his life, and most Importantly, he had a genuine and open heart,” he said.
El-Sheikh’s passion for art led him to distance himself from politics, but he became involved again in his later years.
He opposes incorporating political issues into the framework of art, and this stance puts him at odds with production companies. Nevertheless, El-Sheikh remained committed to his artistic integrity.
His artistic journey began after he left his studies in political science in Kuwait to pursue music at the Cairo Conservatory in Egypt. There he created a unique musical style that blended his blues, symphony, and Arabic lyrics with jazz.
El-Sheikh achieved superstar status after the release of his 1983 album Whenever You Are Next to Me, recognized for his songwriting skills and contributions to music in the Gulf region.
However, he faced difficulties when he refused to participate in an awareness concert during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Due to a misunderstanding, he withdrew from the music industry.
Ultimately, El Sheikh returned with a new focus on Gulf music, contributing to its evolution and development. His legacy continues with his daughters Noura and Samawa, whose talents in acting, singing and presentation contribute to his family’s artistic tradition.
Director Kutobi said, “I believe this is one of those films that can subconsciously affect the viewer.It connects the viewer with the main character and makes them empathize with his emotions, successes, and setbacks.” ” he said. The impact I really hope is that the famous and influential people among us will be encouraged to share their stories and inspire us to make films about them. ”
After the film’s premiere at RSIFF, El-Sheikh and Samawa performed in front of Saudi and international audiences and put on a mesmerizing show.
This documentary film will be released online in the near future to reach a wider audience.