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Weekly Observations

Fatima Al Amro

Date of publication: July 8, 2026 23:56 KSA

From the Window

This week, I decided to step slightly away from the usual pattern and write to you a collection of observations that caught my attention, some artistic, some personal, and some carrying a touch of sarcasm that I have come to see as necessary to continue in this life. * Away from awards, expectations, and biases, I will watch the Saudi film "Depth," participating in the Saudi Film Festival, with the eyes of a viewer, not a critic. The film is directed by Abdulrahman Sandokji, and I believe that every artistic work deserves its full chance before judgments are passed. How many films were not bet on by anyone, then came out to leave a greater impact than award-winning works? In the end, the value of a film is not measured by the number of awards it receives, but by the impact it leaves on the viewer's heart. Sometimes it is enough for a work to touch a single feeling in the recipient to have fulfilled its mission. * Among the artists whose development I follow with interest is Saudi actor Fahad Al Qahtani. I met him previously at the Red Sea Film Festival, and I found him on a personal level to be a refined and calm person in his dealings. I see that he is taking good steps in acting, and the best part is that he is not afraid of diversity in his choices. If I were to choose a future role for him, I would pick him to portray a detective in a Saudi film, because his features and looks give him a credibility that I believe will succeed in this type of role. * As for the beautiful media figure Rima Bassati, I feel that my morning truly begins when she appears on the screen of "Sabah Al Arabiya." She possesses a calm presence and an elegant style that makes the viewer follow her comfortably. If she ever enters the world of acting, I would choose for her the character of a strong and intelligent woman, combining sophistication and mystery, because I think the camera will love this side of her. * The Saudi national team needs a comprehensive reassessment, not new justifications. What is happening lately is not befitting the ambition of the sports community, nor the level of support the sports sector receives. Football does not recognize names, but rather performance on the field, and any successful project begins with acknowledging the points of failure before searching for solutions. On the other hand, I hope fans differentiate between criticism and abuse. It is the right of a fan to be angry and criticize performance, but insults and personal defamation do not create a better team. These players represent the homeland, and they have families and children who read and hear what is written and said about their fathers. We may disagree with the level on the field, but it is nice for respect to remain off the field, as refined criticism is more impactful than any abuse. * On a personal level, my circle of friends has become much smaller than it used to be, and the strange thing is that the narrower the circle, the more stories of disappointment increase. So I started thinking - with some sarcasm - about writing a booklet titled: "How to Receive Shocks?" Not to teach people pain, but to teach them how to smile after it, because life has taught me that laughter is sometimes the best way to heal. * From the window: Not everything that happens to us deserves to be cried over... Some situations just deserve to be laughed at, then we move on.

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