Animation

Film Selections

The Palm Witch, 3D animation :
Netflix Middle East. "New Saudi Voices" 2022
Malmo Arab Film Festival. Malmo, Sweden. 2022
Children Short Film Festival. London, United kingdom. 2022
Red Sea International Film Festival. Saudi Arabia, Jeddah. 2021
Saudi Film Festival. Saudi Arabia, Dhahran. 2021

The Dark Cloud, Stop-motion Animation :
Zayed University Middle East Film Festival. UAE, Abu Dhabi. 2016.

Story of a Dream, Stop-motion Animation :
Naqsh Short Film Festival. Manama, Bahrain. 2014.
Original Narrative Student Short Film Festival. Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 2014.

The Palm Witch

Short film, 3D Animation. 2021

Logline: A 3D animated film about two friends who set off in the old city of Riyadh, looking for their lost pet while an evil night witch comes after them.

The concept of the night witch is inspired by the famous Saudi mythical creature, the Palm Tree Witch, that is told by older generations to encourage kids to come home early. Elders warn that the witch is known to kidnap children wandering after dark. This film takes us on a journey of exploring loneliness after separation between friends, and the innocence and importance of pure friendship. Sara and Nora’s fear of the night witch while being out late brings on their downfall when they most need each other. The Palm Witch is made using Autodesk Maya for modeling, animation and rendered using Arnold. Substance Painter is used for texturing, and Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for titles and 2D effects. After Effects, Nuke and Premiere for editing and compositing.

Story, animation, modeling texturing, compositing and editing by Hala, and music by Aaron Moore.