Meet Noorah Al-Eidi | Screenwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with screenwriter Noorah Al-Eidi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Noorah, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was deciding to leave the comfort of a stable, rewarding job in banking to pursue my passion for screenwriting. Taking risks is scary, but I think it’s a healthy and exciting part of life and your personal growth. In taking risks, it’s important to have a plan and a strong support system. That plan for me was deciding to go to film school and be in a safe environment for 2 years where I could focus on my writing and develop my skills as a filmmaker.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m from Saudi Arabia. When Saudi re-opened public cinemas for the first time in over 35 years, I decided to leave behind a promising career in banking to pursue screenwriting full time. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but I’m proud to be the first Saudi screenwriter to graduate from the American Film Institute in Los Angeles.

The film industry has really taken off here at home, so it’s an exciting time to be a part of it and to write stories that reach and connect with a global audience. “Do not underestimate the power of storytelling” is the advice I live by.

I love nothing more than a true, underdog story. I had an international upbringing, so I also love exploring cross-cultural friendships in my work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start us off with a morning boxing session with my trainer, Ed or a hike up Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park all the way up to Dante’s view for a 360 view of the city.

On a Sunday morning – rain or shine, we would walk to the Hollywood Farmers’ Market for fresh peaches, live music (shoutout to the Fair Market Band and Mr. Eddy), and the cutest kids and dogs in wagons. The best energy to start your Sunday.

Tuesday evenings are reserved for jazz night at Bar Lis at the Thompson Hollywood.

And for dinner, my go-to is Bacari at Silverlake or West 3rd. Make sure to save space for their bread pudding.

I also love grabbing a good book, my beach chairs and watching sunsets at the beach. Any beach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family. I live to make them proud.

Their unconditional love, sense of humor, strong work ethic and prayers have given me the confidence to dream big, travel the world and take chances.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noorahaleidi/

Others: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15201346/

Image Credits
Radha Mehta, Negin Kamali, Jared Hawkley, Armaan Pujani, Alanoud Al-Eidi