Faces of Tomorrow: Kholoud Attar On Being The First Saudi Businesswoman To Acquire A Film Distribution License
In honour of Saudi National Day on September 23 Bazaar chats with the founder of Jeddah-based Design Magazine, KAAPH Media – and the first Saudi businesswoman to acquire a film distribution license
As Saudi Arabia strides into the future through a range of reforms, the country’s tenacious thinkers and innovators are testament to the fact that more great change is yet to come.
Equipped with a degree in graphic design from Jeddah’s University of Dar Al-Hekma, trailblazer Kholoud Attar boasts a long list of achievements, not least of which is heading a media centre and being the first-ever businesswoman to acquire a film distribution license in the Kingdom.
How do you believe Saudi Vision 2030 has shaped the wider community’s thinking in terms of innovation and leadership?
There are days and nights where I question, “Why am I driving myself mad leading three companies?”, and then I think of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who is from our generation and has led our nation through so much reform which started with a vision that planted a seed in all of us: that you can dream big and create change if you are resilient and determined enough to keep your dream alive. It is this thought and my belief in Vision 2030 that humbles my efforts and tough working nights, because now all excuses have melted away and nothing can stop us from creating and leading change but our own mindset.
What are some of the societal changes you have influenced over the years?
It was an honour for KAAPH Media to be approached by Al-Wehda Club to lead its media centre. One year has passed and I’m thrilled to have stood in the soccer field as the first woman to be able to do so in Saudi, and not just any place in Saudi, but in Mecca, where I’m originally from. All the obstacles I faced were worth it. As for obtaining the movie distribution licence, it was more of an early investment in the future of our local creative filmmakers. I have faith in what they will bring to the industry soon.
Walk us through the launch of Design Magazine in 2007. What have some of the highlights been?
When Design first came about, social media didn’t exist and there was so much rising creativity around me that I felt people were not exposed to, so the idea of creating a network and reference to connect creatives through a printed publication and networking events came about. As the years passed and the magazine added its digital platform, the creative community kept growing, which reflected in our signature covers that were a reflection of the time they were published in. I would like to spread the concept that creativity is not limited and does not end.
What is a personal dream you have for yourself or your country?
Growing up with an interest in politics and media representation of nations and tribes, the vast misrepresentation our amazing country has had in international media always disturbed me. I dream to re-brand how our nation and society is perceived, not only in traditional media, but in all cultural outlets from movies, books, music, events and TV shows. Such a matter effects the economy, future opportunities and survival of later generations.
How do you believe the media and film industries in Saudi Arabia are shaping the future?
History now is learnt less from books and news channels. Generations are learning history and shaping their culture from films, TV shows and social media. Saudi has taken the first positive step to writing its own history and shaping the culture of generations to come by empowering local creatives to produce.
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s September 2020 Issue.