Entitled The Girl I Needed (كل ما تتمنين), the short film was written and directed by Taqwa Bint Ali, with Butheina Kazim as executive producer, Osama Mutasem as producer, Anas Alkassim as director of photography, and Mariam Shamma as lead actress, in collaboration with multidisciplinary Gulf studio Studio HARAKA.
The film captures the main character, Mariam, in a moving depiction of personal growth. It begins with a mirrored reflection of herself, multiplied across the frame, taking us back to memories of childhood and through the different stages of her growth into womanhood. Each stage of her growth is marked by symbols and emotions that carry us through this journey; it feels relatable yet so personal and authentic to Mariam.
The story of a woman is beautifully narrated and acts as a guide through the scenes. The voice is loving and endearing, while at the same time carrying the wisdom of a woman from an older generation, guiding Mariam through each stage until both voices become one. We encounter different chapters of Mariam’s growth into womanhood, culminating in the final scene, where she joins an older woman. A soft focus invites us into a quiet closing moment that brings the film’s intergenerational dialogue full circle.
Mariam’s own voice and the voice of the generation before her come together in a captivating and relatable moment of self-acceptance, beautifully captured in a warm and intimate setting.
Images: Courtesy of Bvlgari
Like jewels that become heirlooms, carrying memories from one generation to the next, the campaign beautifully brings together its storytelling and the themes of this year’s Emirati Women’s Day: identity, memory and belonging. The campaign showcases the strength, grace and collective ancestral wisdom that bind Emirati women together as anchors of society and builders of generations.
The official theme, “Together, We Rise Stronger and Better,” announced by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation,” reflects the collective journey of Emirati women and the role they continue to play in shaping society across generations.
