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When The Light Shines

This short film tells the story of the artists and the people who have dedicated their
lives to preserving artistic heritage and fostering creativity. Through interviews with
some of the most prominent artists, archival footage, and immersive visual storytell-
ing, the film uncovers how a visionary and a group of dedicated individuals created
a legacy that has inspired generations. It explores some of these artists’ and people’s
lives, struggles and successes and contributions to the Saudi art and heritage from
the 1960s to today.

  • Ryan Al Bishri
    Director
  • Mona Basharah
    Writer
  • Foram Majmudar
    Producer
  • Moiz Rehman
    First AD & Project Manager
  • Naveen Reddy
    Post Producer
  • Mohammad Alwaisi
    Editor
  • Enzo De Rosa
    Composer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    39 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    November 1, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    Saudi Arabia
  • Country of Filming:
    Saudi Arabia
  • Language:
    Arabic, English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:1
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Jeddah
    Saudi Arabia
    December 9, 2024
    Middle East premiere
Director Biography - Ryan Al Bishri

Ryan Al-Bishri is a Saudi/French Director and Cinematographer. With a strong foundation in Film & Television from the University of Roehampton and The Met Film Academy, Ryan has built a career centered around storytelling through visuals and light. As a director, he brings a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of cinematic language, crafting compelling narratives that resonate emotionally and visually.

Ryan has collaborated with major networks like the MBC Group
and worked on both studio and independent productions in
London and the Middle East. His ability to bridge the technical
and creative aspects of filmmaking allows him to work seamlessly
across a variety of genres, whether in the controlled environment
of film studios or on-location television productions. Driven by his
passion for authentic storytelling, Ryan continues to push bound-
aries as a director, creating films that leave a lasting impact.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

“When the Light Shines” is more than just a film—it is a tribute to a collective
dream that redefines the way we perceive art and culture in Saudi Arabia. As a
filmmaker, I was drawn to this project because of its unique narrative that blends
the preservation of heritage with the courage to innovate and create. The Layan
Culture Foundation represents a space where tradition and modernity are not in
conflict but in conversation. This interplay between the old and the new, the forgot-
ten and the rediscovered, is what inspired me to tell this story.
Through this film, I wanted to explore not only the Foundation’s journey but also
the personal experiences of the people who built it, brick by brick, idea by idea.
HH Prince Faissal bin Abdullah’s unwavering commitment to nurturing Saudi
culture, paired with the creative contributions of artists like Gerhardt Liebman, Dia
Aziz Dia and Yahya Al Bishri (and some more), reflects a deep-seated belief that art
can transcend boundaries and shape societal values. My goal was to capture these
voices and their life stories, shedding light on their dedication to creating a legacy
that will resonate for generations.
The idea was to use some of the rare archival footage and couple it with pres-
ent-day interviews to bring to a wider audience a story that honors such a rich past
while still looking ahead and hopefully inspire the new generations. The film is a
celebration of continuity, legacy, and the ever-evolving nature of culture.
Ultimately, I hope this documentary serves as an invitation for viewers to reimagine
the power of art, to see it as a bridge between the past and future, and to recognize
the importance of nurturing it for generations to come.