Malika

Short film2023

Malika, a 15-minute fantasy short film directed by Saudi filmmaker Maram Taibah, is a heartfelt exploration of identity, empowerment, and family. The film follows Salma, a young girl who, after a rebellious act of cutting her hair, seeks comfort in her grandmother’s presence. Her grandmother, though ill, shares stories about being a queen in a distant land, where she lost her crown. Driven by the belief that finding the crown will heal her grandmother, Salma embarks on a magical adventure, reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland and the Arabian Nights.

The film, written and directed by Taibah, is deeply rooted in themes of self-discovery and women’s sovereignty. Taibah, an emerging director and children’s book writer, reflects on the film’s central message, which draws from her own journey and her exploration of self-ownership, decision-making, and the right to define one’s life path.