Few artists capture the evolving spirit of Saudi storytelling quite like Sarah Taibah. A writer, actor and filmmaker from Jeddah - who was recently spotted on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival - Taibah has become one of the most compelling voices in the region’s creative renaissance.
Best known as the creator and star of Jameel Jeddan – the dark comedy series on MBC’s Shahid that quickly gained a devoted following – she has built a career on challenging expectations and centring complex portrayals of Saudi women. More recently, she starred in the critically acclaimed Mandoob (Night Courier), which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Equally comfortable behind the camera, Taibah co-wrote Hwjn, the biggest Saudi foray into fantasy filmmaking, based on the bestselling novel by Ibraheem Abbas.
As we speak, she has just wrapped shooting A Matter of Life and Death, a feature she wrote and co-stars in alongside Yaqoub Al Farhan. In a matter not quite of life and death, we asked her to take our quick-fire questionnaire.
What is your favourite time of day and why?
First thing in the morning, because it gives me the feeling that I still have a whole day ahead of me and that there’s so much to look forward to and it’s not ending soon. I love beginnings.
What is your favourite restaurant anywhere in the world?
Any tapas place in Barcelona.
When was the first time you realised your parents were human?
When they asked for help.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I don’t want to forget myself. I’d say I want to remain honest. As a human and as an artist.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Well, it’s not so hidden, but I skateboard.
Your favourite book?
I can’t say it’s my favourite, but it’s the one that affected me most – The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by German author Eckhart Tolle.
What type of music can’t you stand?
Hard techno.
What puts you in a bad mood?
Super loud voices.
What can you not live without?
My own space.
Dream dinner guests?
British actress and writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge, one on one.
Sitting on the sofa or out with friends?
Lately, on the sofa.
What smell takes you straight back to childhood?
Not really childhood, but I would say back to my early teenage years, Versace Crystal Noir – it was the first perfume I wore in high school and it stayed with me for a while.
What food takes you back to childhood?
Instant noodles.
Which city do you love, but would hate to live in?
Cairo.
Can you play a musical instrument?
No, I can’t.
Have you ever been on a motorcycle?
Yes, a lot, with my brother on the bridge in San Francisco when I used to study there.
Any words to live by?
Let it be.
Biggest pet peeve?
Bragging.
Do you believe in aliens?
I do.
What is your favourite Arabic word?
Helem, because it means two of my favourite things at the same time – dream; but also being soft, kind and patient. All in one.
The most niche thing you watch on YouTube?
How slugs mate.
How do you take your tea?
Sometimes with basil. Sometimes with milk.
What makes you cry?
So many things.
What do social algorithms think you’re interested in?
Oh, movies.
TikTok or Instagram?
That’s a difficult one. But if I have to choose one, it’s Instagram.
What is it about you that would surprise people?
That I forget fast.
What was the last thing you did for the first time?
Well, I just fell on the red carpet for the first time.
