Meet the Saudi VFX producer taking Hollywood by storm
Jumanah Shaheen is one of the first Saudi women to work in visual effects in Hollywood and recently had a hand in the music video to Taylor Swift’s new single “Cardigan.”
This marks Shaheen’s second time working with the artist, the first being the 2017 hit “Look What You Made Me Do.”
“What I thought was amazing about this project is that Taylor Swift actually directed this video,” Shaheen told Arab News. “It was great to see her in that role and see how she was able to take her knowledge ge and put that into the video.”
As a woman n succeeding in the film industry, y, Shaheen is proud of her work and is looking to provide opportunities ortunities to other women facing ng the challenges she faced.
At the same e time, she is proud and excited to o be Saudi at a time when the Saudi udi film industry is taking off.
“Now we’re e getting to hear a lot more stories ies that come from
Saudi ( Arabia), that come from my culture, from our traditions,” she said. “It’s amazing to see all these amazingly talented people – writers, directors, producers (and) artists – all having this ability and opportunity to share their stories.”
Shaheen said she is glad to be a role model for Saudis and women that share her dream of working in the film industry. She encourages them not to simply imitate people like her, but to recognize the positive qualities of others and use them to be the best version of themselves.
The VFX producer revealed that part of her dream is to help support up-and-coming talent in a bid to bolster new voices in the creative industry.
“What I’m hoping with my experience here (is to) be able to kind of provide those services for these new upcoming directors and artists to find that outlet with them,” the post production producer said. “So if you have an independent film, I’m hoping that I can be your right hand in being able to make your vision come to life.”