Raghad Albariqi

Raghad is a Saudi illustrator and filmmaker, who draws inspiration from her upbringing in the historical and multicultural city of Makkah. Her experiences and exposure to diverse cultures have profoundly influenced her artistic vision, driving her to create art that resonates with society and the world at large.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Cinematic Art from Effat University in Jeddah, where she directed the acclaimed film "Social Molds Manual." The film has garnered recognition at esteemed international festivals, including the Annecy International Animation Festival and Animest Bucharest.

With a background in film and animation, Raghad has also worked as a production designer on various local film productions. Recently, she directed and animated "Whisper Down the Lane," an experimental film that delves into the intricate themes of communication and self-destruction.

Immersing herself in the realm of independent films, Raghad has developed a deep appreciation for storytelling and the ability of art to address societal issues, culture, and everyday life. This profound influence continues to drive her, as she utilizes her artistic skills to spark dialogue and create positive impacts on society.

Growing up in Makkah as an artist, I initially struggled to connect with my past and find my artistic and personal identity. It wasn't until I realized that gentrification had erased much of the cultural history and art scene in my hometown that I understood the root of my struggle. Sami Angawi, a renowned architect and researcher, has described how gentrification has turned the holy sanctuary into a machine, erasing its identity, heritage,culture, and natural environment. This lack of cultural connection spurred me to create artwork that could represent my community and showcase ourunique and diverse cultural identities.

Through this project, I hope to contribute to the development of a unique and lasting art scene in the city for future generations. As an artist, I believe it is my responsibility to preserve and celebrate the rich cultural history of my hometown, and to create a space for its expression in the contemporary world.

This project is like a personal love letter to my city, a visual poem that celebrates and mourns at the same time the memories and culture of its people.Through this project, I aim to use different animation techniques and connect them with the daily movement in the city. Additionally, the film aims to use literary figures of speech in language such as the lamentation over the memories of places in pre-Islamic poetry and turn this literary rhetoric into a cinematic image using the magic of animation.