Storytelling: A Common Thread of Humanity | Fatima Al-Banawi 160

Storytelling: A Common Thread of Humanity | Fatima Al-Banawi 160

Author: Mo Islam September 29, 2025 Duration: 2:03:12

A Saudi storyteller, actor, writer, and director whose work blends art with social impact, Fatima is the founder of Alf Wad Production House and The Other Story Project, initiatives that have transformed storytelling into a tool for cultural dialogue and community building.

Her breakout role in Barakah Meets Barakah (2016), Saudi’s submission to the Oscars, helped shape the country’s new cinematic wave. Named a “Next Generation Leader” by Time Magazine and described as the “Sophie Calle of Saudi Arabia” by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fatima has become one of the most recognized creative voices from the Kingdom. She holds a Master’s degree from Harvard University, where she researched Arab identity and gender representation in cinema and literature.

0:00 Intro

2:34 Childhood Background

6:47 Control, Messiness Acceptance

13:00 Parents, Resentment Empathy

22:03 Imposter Syndrome

35:13 Barakah Public Reaction

41:50 Writing/Directing vs Acting

45:30 Owning the Narrative

55:04 Saudi Film Ecosystem Grows

59:34 “The Other Story”

1:11:24 Globalization Cinema

1:19:32 Alwad: A Thousand Valleys to the Heart

1:23:22 Red Sea Festival Market Maturity

1:34:44 Mental Health, Phones Finding Balance

1:40:31 Women, Theology Harvard

1:49:58 “Carve What Isn’t There”

1:52:56 Ignoring Bad Advice

1:55:29 Feeling Most Alive

1:58:32 Dreams, Manifestation Mortality

2:06:13 Closing

Fatima Albanawi

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Hosted by Mo Islam, The Mo Show is a conversation held in English, rooted in the daily rhythms and broader narratives of life in Saudi Arabia. This podcast moves beyond headlines to explore the textures of local society and the diverse cultural currents shaping the region. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair for a candid discussion, where personal stories and thoughtful observations reveal the complexities and warmth of a community in flux. You’ll hear from a variety of voices-locals and long-term residents, artists and entrepreneurs, everyday people with compelling perspectives-all contributing to a richer, more nuanced picture. The conversations are unscripted and meandering in the best way, often uncovering unexpected connections between tradition and modernity, or between individual dreams and collective identity. Tuning into this podcast offers a genuine sense of place, a listening experience that feels both intimate and expansive. It’s for anyone curious about the human stories behind the social and cultural evolution within the Kingdom, presented not as a lecture but as an ongoing, engaging dialogue.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Mo Show Presented by BSF
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