In conversation with MOJEH, the first female Emirati film director, Nayla Al Khaja, reflects on the challenges of navigating a nascent industry, highlighting the skepticism she faced and the crucial support she received. Al Khaja also delves into her psychological thriller debut, Three, discussing her inspiration and the nuances of creating suspense in the genre. While she is currently working on the post-production of her next feature film, BAAB, notably scored by renowned Indian music composer A.R. Rahman, her debut Three will be launching Arab Cinema Week Volume 4 at Cinema Akil.
Your debut feature film, Three, is a psychological thriller. What inspired this genre choice, and were there any challenges you encountered as a result?
I have always been fascinated by the mind, the things we suppress, the emotions that haunt us, and how trauma shapes perception. The psychological thriller genre allows me to explore those spaces with depth and intensity. Three wasn’t just about scaring audiences, it was about pulling them into a very internal kind of fear, the kind we all carry silently.
As for challenges, psychological thrillers rely heavily on mood, pace, and subtlety. Directing my first feature meant learning to trust the power of quiet tension and working closely with actors to access emotional layers without overexplaining. It was creatively demanding, but also deeply rewarding.
Your first film boasts a stellar cast, including Jefferson Hall and Saud Alzarooni. How did these collaborations come about, and what was the on-set dynamic?
I was incredibly fortunate. Jefferson brought with him this deep, almost instinctual approach to character - he carried a quiet intensity that was perfect for the role. Saud was a revelation. Watching his commitment to the emotional truth of the character, especially given the cultural nuances involved, was inspiring. These collaborations came through a mix of trusted casting contacts and my own intuition. On set, the energy was focused but warm, there was a shared respect for the story, and everyone pushed one another toward excellence. As a director, that is the dream.
How do you hope to contribute to the growth of regional cinema with your work?
I want to bring stories from the Gulf that feel globally resonant but are unapologetically local. Stories rooted in our psyche, our culture and our contradictions. Regional cinema is evolving rapidly, but what we need more of are emotionally complex films that travel, not just visually, but thematically. I see my role as both a storyteller and a door-opener - if my work makes space for others to dream bigger, speak louder, or take more risks, then I have done something right.
As the first female Emirati director, what challenges have you faced, and how do you feel about this distinction?
It’s a beautiful, heavy title to carry, but I don’t let it define or limit me. When I first started, there were no blueprints and no real references for how to navigate this space as a woman from the UAE. I faced skepticism, hesitance, and more than once, outright dismissal. But I also found allies, both men and women, who believed in me and saw what I was trying to build. Being “the first” comes with responsibility, but I am far more excited by who’s coming next. I want to help make sure they don’t feel alone the way I sometimes did.
Three will launch Arab Cinema Week Volume 4 at Cinema Akil. What are your expectations for this event, and what is the significance of such film-centric initiatives to you?
Cinema Akil has become this cultural heartbeat for regional storytelling, and I couldn’t think of a better place for Three to open Arab Cinema Week. I expect it to be emotional; this story was born and raised here, and now it is being shared in a space that champions voices like mine. These initiatives are vital. They are not just about watching films, they are about building a cinematic culture, cultivating audiences, and offering emerging filmmakers the courage to try. It’s where community and art meet.
What are your thoughts on the UAE's film landscape, and what are your aspirations within it?
The UAE’s film landscape is still young, but it’s growing with hunger and ambition. We have talent, we have stories, and we are beginning to develop the infrastructure to support those stories properly. My hope is to see more daring narratives come from here, not just polished productions, but emotionally brave ones. Personally, I want to help bridge worlds, to create films that can sit in both regional festivals and global ones, without compromising on identity. And I want to build sustainable paths for other filmmakers to follow.
Could you share details about your upcoming projects?
I am currently in post-production for BAAB, my second feature, a dark, fantastical drama about grief, sisterhood, and the things that echo through silence. It’s scored by A.R. Rahman, which is a dream collaboration.
What are some of your favourite memories from a set that you hold close?
There’s a moment I will never forget from Three. We were filming an emotional scene late at night. The crew was exhausted, the light was perfect, and something in the actor’s performance just... cracked open. The entire room went still. No one said a word after I called “cut.” We all just felt it. That, to me, is cinema, when everyone becomes part of the emotion, not just the machine. Those rare moments of collective presence stay with me forever.
