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- Influenced by Japanese anime, Saudi director explores AI animation potential in ‘Shama’
Influenced by Japanese anime, Saudi director explores AI animation potential in ‘Shama’
22 Jul 2026 10:07:24 GMT9
22 Jul 2026 10:07:24 GMT9
- Bassmah Abdullah tells Arab News about using artificial intelligence to enhance and not replace human artistry and storytelling
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia writer and director Bassmah Abdullah is combining animation and artificial intelligence in “Shama,” a short film that uses AI-generated cultural imagery as the Kingdom expands its investment in creative industries under Vision 2030.
The animator has been producing fiction and crime literature for years. In addition to “Shama,” she shares her short films and story clips on TikTok through her account, @banabella.home.
Abdullah said she wants to present an animated film that combines literary imagination and AI technologies, while preserving the spirit of classic animation.
Abdullah told Arab News that AI was used to support, and not replace, the artistic vision behind the project, allowing the creative team to accelerate elements of production while maintaining the emotional depth of the narrative.
“The idea for ‘Shama’ began after I learned about Open AI’s experience in producing the animated film ‘Critterz’ using artificial intelligence technologies.”
Abdullah said she had also observed the “accelerating global trend towards allocating competitions and independent sections for films produced with this technology in a number of international festivals.”
The film reflects a growing movement among Saudi filmmakers who are embracing emerging technologies to tell stories rooted in local culture and identity.
Set against the landscapes of AlUla, “Shama” tells a deeply human story of ambition, perseverance and sacrifice.
She explained that the film revolves around a fierce princess born from volcanic lava, harboring an unbridled ambition to conquer her father’s legendary palace.
However, a mysterious will forbids her from realizing this dream, setting her on a journey filled with conflicts, conspiracies, and battles.
“The film is not merely a fantasy; it explores themes of ambition, greed, love, and sacrifice within a visually stunning world inspired by sociological imagination.”
Speaking about her inspiration, she said that she has been influenced by Japanese anime since childhood.
“I draw a lot of inspiration from Walt Disney, who started with simple short films before establishing one of the greatest animation schools in history.
“The Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki is also a majorimagination, and messages in his work that transcend age and culture.”
Abdullah has not sought official support and relies on her own funds, but she remains optimistic about the future for creatives.
“I believe that Saudi Arabia, with its glorious vision, is experiencing an unprecedented phase of interest in the film industry, through initiatives and programs offered by cultural institutions, production support funds, and festivals.
“Despite this momentum, the production of animated films still needs more investors in this field and a greater focus on startups, nurturing their work through digital platforms and channels.”
Abdullah noted that although AI has reduced production costs, the animation industry still needs to develop.
“One of the biggest challenges is that achieving the desired scene can require dozens of attempts to reach the required cinematic quality, in addition to the high cost of some software and professional subscriptions.
“I also believe that this type of film needs specialized platforms and events to give it greater exposure and wider distribution, especially since it represents a promising future for content creation.”
On the future, she dreams of producing a feature-length animated film which presents “Saudi culture to the world through a human story capable of addressing all peoples.”
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