CRASHING EID
SERIES | KSA | 2023
(AR — JAYBA AL EID)
The world of ‘Jayba Al-Eid’ reflects the authentic style of Jeddah with subtle stylization and a curated palette, capturing Ramadan’s unique visual essence and romantic spirituality. The set design is crafted to reveal the story of the Mawrouth family—
Director — Said Zagha; Ali Al-Attas
Producer — Sara Al-Ghabra; Noura Abu-Shosha
Cinematographer — Ahmed Jalboush
Production Designer — Lamis Souliman
Visualizing The World of Mawrouth Family
The Challenge :: to underline generational conflicts in contemporary Saudi society.
The Approach :: craft authentic spaces in Jeddah that highlight both cultural diversity and triggers of conflict.
The art concept :: Zero-in on spaces of household conflict — like the Ramadan table — where the story of a single Saudi mother marrying a Pakistani man becomes the epicenter of a family feud.
Color
Palette
The authentic palette of Jeddah inspires the color scheme of JA, which is then reimagined through a vibrant fusion of modern and Eastern tones.
This overall palette is reflected in the set design, costumes, and lighting, carefully tailored to each character and their relationship with their environment.
For example, there is a stark contrast between the alienated Razan in the cold color scheme and her surroundings, in contrast to the remarkable harmony that Mona, the dominant mother, exudes within her home.
Due to the lack of film studios in Jeddah back then, we opted to repurpose existing real locations and transform them into film sets. The design execution involves architectural restructuring, visual modifications, and complete redressing.
JA’S
DESIGN BOOK
Production Designer — Lamis Souliman
Art Director — Ibrahim Khaled
Prop Master — Mohamed Sonbol
The Mawrouths’
House
In Mawrouth's house, spaces reflect the personal choices of each member of the family. The set design represents the unique character of each space's owner— style, conflict, and decisions.
‘Mawrouth’s family house— Two floors, and a guestroom’
Flashback—s
Each episode opens with a flashback, tracing the Mawrouth family's history. The set design brings Jeddah’s evolving identity to life, reflecting the rising status of the family and the origins of Razan’s inner conflict.
‘Flashback— Jeddah; 1998- 2022’
Extended Family
Residentials
As the story unfolds, Hayat—Mona’s sister and mother of Mazen; Razan's ex-husband—embodies the family's conservative side, contrasting Mona's progressive outlook. Their home subtly reflects differences in culture, class, and beliefs.
‘Hayat family house; Mazen’s house’
Sets in
Public Spaces
In JA, Jeddah is enveloped in the warm, festive atmosphere of Ramadan and Eid. This adds a final, meaningful layer to the sets and spaces, enhancing the visual tone of the story.
‘Chocolate shop; fruit market’
Architecture Reference
Jeddah Heritage
My set design for JA authentically portrays Jeddah’s heritage while avoiding clichés, blending tradition with a modern touch. This approach creates a warm, relatable, and visually rich backdrop for the family’s story.
‘Reference x Set’
Execution
Process
As a foreign production designer, collaborating with a Saudi-based team provided a valuable opportunity to exchange expertise. It allowed me to share my experience while they became my bridge to Jeddah’s culture, resources, and local work dynamics.
Their cultural insight greatly enhanced communication and helped establish a well-structured, efficient art department.
