Keif al-Hal

Keif al-Hal? (Arabic: كيف الحال؟) is Saudi Arabia's first big-budget film, produced by Ayman Halawani (of Prince Al-Walid bin Talal's Rotana Group). Directed by Izidore Musallam, it stars Hind Mohammed, the first Saudi cinema actress.[1] Mohammed, who appears unveiled, received threats from some conservative Muslims, but remained optimistic, hoping the film would encourage reform to Saudi Arabia's restrictions on cinema. Saudi audiences were able to see the film on pay-per-view through an agreement with Showtime Arabia.[2] The film's title roughly translates into, "How's it going?" or "How are you?". The film, shot in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is a comedy-drama that recounts the story of a family torn between modernity and tradition in Saudi Arabia. Although there is clerical opposition to public screenings of films in Saudi Arabia, media reports suggest that the ban on public display of movies there is also in keeping with the monarchy's refusal to permit unlicensed public gatherings. [3]