Saudi Arabia's art scene is diverse, with "Crashing Eid" on Netflix exemplifying this diversity. The show, led by filmmaker Nora Aboushousha, tackles societal taboos and has sparked debate before its October 19 release.
Aboushousha stressed that their show doesn't aim to represent all Saudis; it offers a single perspective. She adheres to the principle that their narrative can't capture all of Saudi society. Razan, the protagonist, isn't a universal representation of Saudi women; her family's values are unique.
Razan is an unconventional Saudi fiction protagonist, a single mother in London proposing to her British-Pakistani friend. Upon her return to Jeddah for Eid, she faces family disapproval, leading to escalating conflict when the man visits Saudi Arabia.
Aboushousha's inspiration for portraying an unconventional Saudi family facing internal conflict comes from real life and television history. Comedy's distinct and unconventional characters make it memorable and offer unique perspectives, immersing viewers in different viewpoints.
Aboushousha aims to create exceptional Saudi television with diverse characters. The series may resonate with some viewers, offering something different, but it doesn't have to represent everyone to be great.
Nora Aboushousha is an up-and-coming talent in Saudi Arabia, known for pushing creative boundaries. Her past works include "Rahin Altaqiq," a crime series, and "Confessions," a dramedy about rebellious young Saudi women. Her short film "Lucky You Are Mine" addresses mental health and won acclaim at the 2022 Red Sea International Film Festival. Netflix also recognized her talent, granting her film a global release ahead of "Crashing Eid."
"Crashing Eid" started as a creative project when Aboushousha and her partner, Ali Alatta, found that Netflix sought shows with individuals distinct from their families. While Aboushousha initially inspired the single mother lead character, the concept quickly evolved into a storyline involving her returning from abroad to marry someone from a different culture, sparking a family clash.
While the show's comedy led to exaggerated situations and characters, Aboushousha aimed for authenticity. She interviewed couples and gathered real-life stories to enrich the series. Drawing inspiration from Saudi women who married into different cultures, their experiences, although sometimes emotional, later revealed humor in certain aspects.
The character, initially based on real stories and personality traits, evolved as more layers of fiction were added to suit the material. The actors brought their characters to life, further enhancing their complexity.
Reality formed the series' foundation, but Aboushousha's primary focus was crafting an exceptional show. She rigorously studied scripts from successful series like HBO's "The White Lotus" and "Meet the Parents" to maintain high-quality scenes. Elevating Saudi content to international standards is essential as the industry gains global recognition.
