Aiysha Hart On The Film-Making Industry, Saudi Arabia, And Her Long-Standing Relationship With Chanel

Aiysha Hart is about to break big with her latest film, Desert Warrior. Touted as Saudi Arabia’s first international tentpole movie, which also features top-tier Hollywood actors, the massive production is highly anticipated. Thankfully Aiysha is ready to meet the moment… and will probably be wearing Chanel when she does it

You could say that her latest starring role – in Rupert Wyatt’s adventure, Desert Warrior – brings Aiysha Hart back to her roots. Although she moved to the UK when she was just a toddler – with her English mother and Saudi father – this big-budget production, in which the 32-year-old stars opposite Avengers: Endgame’s Anthony Mackie and Ben Kingsley, sees the self-confessed feminist take on the role of Arabian Princess Hind. It’s a lead role in a movie that counted a 500-strong crew and location shoots across the Kingdom.

What sets this Literature graduate apart? The Line of Duty actor has strong, carefully considered opinions, and she isn’t afraid to articulate them. That’s what makes her so intriguing, and has given Aiysha an extra edge since she stepped into the spotlight in her debut film Djinn. And, like her latest character who is a strong female heroine, she has become a role model with a knack for picking challenging parts, such as those in movies like Colette and Honour, and series including A Discovery of Witches that test – and showcase – her talent.

During this exclusive shoot, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia speaks to the tour de force about crossing cultures, couture, and cementing her place in the creative sphere.

Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): Have you seen how the film-making industry in the Middle East has been changing?

Aiysha Hart (AH): The Arab-speaking world has always had a love for cinema, television and theatre, particularly in places such as Egypt. It’s nice to see art taking a more prevalent position in general across the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf which feels as though it’s having an artistic renaissance. There’s a wealth of talent and stories just waiting to be told and I’m eager to see them finally flourish in a distinctly Arab way that feels authentic and real. We’re also slowly starting to see stories being told in the West that don’t centre around negative and damaging stereotypes of Arabs through an orientalist lens. It’s nice to see more human portrayals from authentic voices, particularly second-generation Arabs living in the Western world, of which there are many of us and we have mostly remained invisible in mainstream media. There is still a long way to go, however, particularly in the UK.

HBA: When did you last visit Saudi?

AH: I spent five extraordinary months in the Saudi desert, shooting a movie called Desert Warrior. On my most recent trip, I was lucky enough to visit Al Ula and have a tour around the tombs of Hegra, led by the archaeologist who is excavating the area. The wealth of historical and archaeological discoveries yet to be made in Saudi is fascinating. It was a very special trip for me.

HBA: What do you consider to have been the turning point in your career?

AH: Everything in life comes in waves; I don’t think there has been one specific turning point in my career, but rather there have been a number of twists and turns. But I would say that I take more from the times when I’m not working because that’s when I have a moment to reflect. When you’re working you don’t have time to really stop and see the bigger picture, so I’ve definitely learnt more about myself and had more transformative moments in the quieter times.

HBA: What was the last piece of art that resonated deeply with you?

AH: Nothing Compares, the documentary about Sinéad O’Connor. What an inspiration. It stayed with me for weeks afterwards; she’s a true pioneer in every sense of the word and such a genuine force for good. Also, a total style icon, I almost shaved my head after watching it. Almost.

HBA: What kind of clothing do you gravitate towards?

AH: I think I have a strong mixture of both masculine and feminine energy, and that’s often reflected in my personal style. I’m consistently drawn back to the power dressing of the late ’80s and early ’90s. I love great tailoring and oversized casual wear, but I also have a penchant for florals, structured dresses and high-waisted trousers and skirts.

HBA: Do you remember anything about the first piece from Chanel you ever wore?

AH: How could I forget? The first time I wore anything Chanel, I was dressed in the brand from head-to-toe. It was the Spring/Summer 2020 ready-to-wear show at Paris Fashion Week, and I went for a classic Chanel white tweed mini skirt and matching suit jacket. The pièce de résistance was a pair of white patent-leather ankle boots with black toe caps. I still dream about those boots!

HBA: How has your relationship with the maison evolved over the years?

AH: I couldn’t have had a more ‘on-brand’ introduction to the fashion house than going to a show at the Grand Palais in Paris. It was a huge privilege to have my first fitting at the Rue Cambon atelier, where Gabrielle Chanel opened her original boutique and later lived. I felt the living history and sentience of Chanel’s brand, which made me connect with it even more. I’m now lucky enough to own some gorgeous pieces and not just admire them from afar, which you could also say is an evolution in my relationship with Chanel.

HBA: Do you have a piece in your wardrobe that you’d never part with?

AH: That’s tough! It would have to be something that means a lot to me. Either a piece of clothing passed down from my mum, or the vintage hand-stitched Palestinian jacket I bought in Jerusalem last year.

HBA: Who, in your opinion, always gets it right style-wise?

AH: I’ve been a fan of Sienna Miller’s street style since I was a teen; she’s effortlessly cool. When it comes to the red carpet, it’s got to be Zendaya. Chef’s kiss!

HBA: What role impacted you the most personally?

AH: They have all impacted me in different ways. My role as Hind, in Desert Warrior, felt special because I was playing a significant character from Arab history. The project offered a precious opportunity to reconnect with my roots and discover a side to Saudi that I had never seen before. It was also the first movie of its scale to shoot in the country which felt quite ground-breaking.

HBA: What do you look for when deciding to take on a role?

AH: With time, I’ve learnt to follow my instincts more, which is difficult as someone who likes to analyse everything! In general, I’m always searching for projects that go beyond the art and can inspire positive change. On a more creative level, I pursue roles and projects that challenge me and that I can learn something new from. I want to constantly be trying new things and playing different types of characters.

HBA: Who would you love to work with?

AH: Oh, where do I start? Loads, but particularly fellow Arab artists and up-and-coming directors with a strong vision who are taking creative risks.

HBA: What’s next in the professional pipeline for you?

AH: Desert Warrior is set to be released very soon and there are also a few other projects I am excited to share with you when I can, including a TV show I’m shooting later this year.

Photography: Rachell Smith. Styling: Alexandra Fullerton. Hair: Bjorn Krischker At The Wall Group Using Hair By Sam Mcknight. Make-up: Zoe Taylor At Clm Agency Using Chanel Beauty. Senior Producer: Steff Hawker. Photographer’s Assistant: Ethan Humphries. Stylist’s Assistant: Theodora Barclay Van Hasbroeck