One Last Thing: Nayla Al Khaja on her favourite book and the music she can't stand

The Emirati filmmaker sits down with The National and answers quick-fire questions

Nayla Al Khaja is an Emirati screenwriter, producer and director. Photo: Nayla Al Khaja Films

Nayla Al Khaja is a pioneering Emirati screenwriter, producer and director. A polyglot who has long championed the role of women in the film industry, she released her first feature film as a director, Three, in February this year, starring House of the Dragon’s Jefferson Hall. Al Khaja is also executive producer of The Alexandria Killings series, which is in development and is set to be directed by Academy Award winner Terry George. Her coming project, Baab, is a fantasy horror set to begin shooting at the end of the year with a musical score by two-time Academy Award winner AR Rahman. She took time out of pre-production to answer our questions.

What’s your favourite time of day and why?

Early morning, before the emails start rolling in and before coffee becomes a necessity rather than a luxury. It’s the only time the world feels a bit quieter – and I can pretend I’m winning at adulting for a solid 30 minutes.

What’s your favourite restaurant in the world?

There’s this hidden gem in Cape Town called FYN that does incredible Japanese fusion.

When was the first time you realised your parents were human?

When my mum gave me a lecture about delving into many businesses, and then I saw her accounts. Let’s just say, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I’m not capable of growing up. A Peter Pan-girl forever. Peter is also my second surname.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I can make a really solid cup of tea. I’m also great at parallel parking – honestly, it is my superpower.

What’s your favourite book?

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It’s like living inside a dream where everything is possible. And Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, where your heart breaks silently.

Nayla Al Khaja with the director of photography Mik Allen at the location of the film Three in Bangkok. Photo: Nayla Al Khaja Films

What’s a genre of music you can’t stand?

Heavy metal – mostly because my heart starts racing and I’m never sure if I’m supposed to be enjoying it or thinking of my worst nightmares.

What puts you in a bad mood?

Slow Wi-Fi. It’s 2024, how is this still possible!

What’s something you can’t live without?

My children, a notebook and smartphones.

Dream dinner guests?

Academy Award winner AR Rahman, because we need to brainstorm new soundtracks for the next feature film; Salvador Dali, for deep, artsy conversations; and my future self, to see if I ever figured it all out.

Sitting on the sofa or out with friends?

Out with friends. But honestly, nothing beats the sofa after a long shoot day.

What smell takes you straight back to childhood?

The smell of freshly baked bread – it reminds me of early mornings at my grandmother’s home.

What food takes you back to childhood?

Anything with cardamom. It’s like a direct line to my past … and to some very questionable childhood “experiments” in the kitchen.

What’s a city you love, but would hate to live in?

New York. I love the energy, but I’d need naps scheduled into my calendar if I lived there full time.

Have you ever been on a motorcycle?

Yes, and I don’t think I’ve ever held on to anything tighter in my life. Adrenalin, meet fear.

Any words to live by?

“Do what you love, and the rest will follow.”

Biggest pet peeve?

People who text “K”. What is that even supposed to mean?

Do you believe in aliens?

I mean, the universe is pretty big … it’d be rude to think we’re the only ones throwing parties down here.

What’s your favourite Arabic word?

“Yalla” – it’s such a versatile word! It can mean “let’s go”, “hurry up”, or “I’ve waited long enough”.

Nayla Al Khaja attends at the Three press junket during the Red Sea International Film Festival in 2023 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Getty Images

How do you take your tea?

With lots of milk, a little bit of procrastination accompanied with a comfy sofa and a great independent film.

Can you play a musical instrument?

I can play two songs on the piano, does that count?

What makes you cry?

A well-crafted film score. Or onions. It’s usually one of the two.

What do social media algorithms think you’re interested in?

Apparently, they think I need more self-help books and video editing software. They’re not entirely wrong, but still ...

What’s the most niche thing you watch on YouTube?

I found a channel where someone fixes vintage cameras. It is weirdly satisfying, but I now want a 1940s Leica.

TikTok or Instagram?

Instagram – it’s like my digital portfolio. But I use TikTok when I need to waste time ... I mean, do “research”.

What’s something about you that would surprise people?

I can ice skate like a pro.

What was the last thing you did for the first time?

I tried paragliding. Let’s just say, I’m happier with both feet firmly on the ground.