Doha Film Festival: The Rise of Saja Kilani

 

Photographer: Misan Harriman 

During the Doha Film Festival, Saja Kilani quickly became one of the names audiences and industry guests were eager to talk about. With her role in The Voice of Hind Rajab gaining international attention, she arrived in Doha at a defining moment in her young career. Yet she met the growing recognition with calm, humility, and a clear sense of responsibility toward the story she represents.

In our conversation at the festival, Kilani spoke candidly about the pressure of being labeled “the actress of the moment,” the emotional weight of hearing Hind’s real voice on set, and the impact of meeting the women whose lives shaped the film. She also reflected on working with director Kaouther Ben Hania and her desire to explore a range of genres while staying anchored to meaningful stories.

AM: How does it feel to be recognized as the actress of the moment?
Saja Kilani: Wow, this is actually the first time I’m hearing it put that way. I’m grateful magazines are choosing to amplify Hind Rajab’s voice. I’m honored to represent the film, but it also comes with pressure. I’m trying to stay present and appreciate everything. The most rewarding part has been meeting such a wide range of people.

AM: As a young actress with a bright future, how do you balance being part of such a heavy, heartbreaking film while wanting to grow creatively and explore different genres?
Saja Kilani: I’ve been thinking about that a lot. I’ve realized two things can coexist. There are many forms of art. After meeting Hind’s mother and the real characters of the film, I understood this even more. They’re strong, funny, real women. If I want to represent women like them, I want to do it with integrity, whether through fashion, interviews, or anything else. There are many stereotypes about Arab women, and we have to represent ourselves thoughtfully.

AM: You’ve just attended the Fashion Trust Arabia event. How was that experience, being in the same room as icons from every industry?
Saja Kilani: It was inspiring to be surrounded by people who have shaped and reshaped the fashion world. Seeing the winners, nominees, and their work was beautiful.

AM: Coming back to the film, it’s said that the cast didn’t hear the full audio of Hind’s voice until filming. How was that moment for you?
Saja Kilani: Yes, that’s true. We only heard her voice on set, during the actual take. The reaction you see on screen was real, raw and emotional. We had to repeat the scene several times because each time we heard her voice, it felt like the first time.

AM: How was it like working with the actors? Was it your first time working with them?
Saja Kilani: Yes, it was a completely new cast for me. I didn’t know anyone beforehand, except that I was already a fan of Kaouther Ben Hania. I was nervous meeting her, but she set the bar very high. She’s brilliant. The entire cast was amazing, we created a bond that feels like we’ve known each other forever, even though we only met a year ago.

AM: During the press conference, you seemed to give space to the real personalities behind the story. Can you tell me more about that?
Saja Kilani: Since it was their first time being with us, I felt no need to take up space. We had been telling their story on their behalf, but having them there to speak for themselves was powerful. I just wanted to listen and learn.

AM: As a rising star, how do you keep yourself grounded during such an exciting moment in your career?
Saja Kilani: With this film, I constantly remind myself that I’m telling Hind’s story. There are people still living this reality today. That comes with responsibility. I often question whether I deserve the recognition, especially after meeting Hind’s mother and Rana. They are the ones doing the work. I’m grateful for my family and friends who keep me grounded. Mostly, I want to honor the message of this film.

AM: Finally, do you see yourself continuing to tell stories about the Palestinian cause, or do you also want to explore different genres?
Saja Kilani: I want to continue telling meaningful stories, but I also fell in love with acting because of its power to amplify voices, and because I genuinely enjoy it. I want to be versatile and try different genres. I love true stories, but not exclusively. Our region is full of talent that deserves global visibility, and I’d love to be part of that. Wherever I go, I’ll carry my identity with me. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to see where art takes me.