JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia writer and director Bassmah Abdullah is combining animation and artificial intelligence in “Shama,” a short film that uses AI-generated cultural imagery as the Kingdom expands its investment in creative industries under Vision 2030.
The animator has been producing fiction and crime literature for years. In addition to “Shama,” she shares her short films and story clips on TikTok through her account, @banabella.home.
Abdullah said she wants to present an animated film that combines literary imagination and AI technologies, while preserving the spirit of classic animation.
Abdullah told Arab News that AI was used to support, and not replace, the artistic vision behind the project, allowing the creative team to accelerate elements of production while maintaining the emotional depth of the narrative.
“The idea for ‘Shama’ began after I learned about Open AI’s experience in producing the animated film ‘Critterz’ using artificial intelligence technologies.”
