Dec 9, 2024

2025 Academy Awards Short Contenders: “Prostrate and Draw Near,” directed by Suraya Alsheri and Nabila Abul-Jadael

Cartoon Brew spotlights an animated short film that has been nominated for the 2025 Academy Awards.

In this issue, we present “Prostrate and Draw Near” by Saudi directors Suraya Alshehary and Nabila Abul-Jadael. This short film qualified for an Academy Award for its theatrical release.

Based on a true story, “Prostrate and Draw Near” depicts a unique spiritual moment inspired by Nabila Abuljadael's original artwork in a nearly empty Holy Mosque in Makkah during the blockade of COVID-19. Directed, produced, and written by the mother-daughter team of Suraya Alshehary and Nabila Abuljadael. The film was produced by their company Suraya Productions.

Cartoon Brew: It is not often that we hear of a mother and daughter collaborating on an animated film. Tell us about this collaboration and how it affected your relationship: For my mother and I, it felt like a natural extension of what we have always done together. My mother is a writer, and throughout my childhood, her library was a central part of my and my siblings' lives. Every time my mother added to her collection, we would spend hours discussing books, what we learned, and how they connected to the world around us. Those discussions and our shared love of art, film, and history shaped my upbringing. My mother always shared her writings with us, always creating an environment where my siblings and I felt our thoughts and ideas were valid, encouraging us to think critically and creatively. So it was not at all strange for me to collaborate with her on this film. Over the years, my mother fostered an atmosphere that allowed me to be independent and free to explore my creativity. Working together on this project allowed us to merge our talents and perspectives. It was a beautiful way to strengthen our bond and a reminder of how much we have influenced each other's artistic journey over the years.

What is it about this story or concept that captured your heart and inspired you to direct this film? The universal message of shared humanity and unity in times of crisis resonated with viewers around the world. The unexpectedly positive response to the film inspired my mother and I to develop it into an animated short film. Working closely with a dedicated team, we crafted a story that deepened the emotional resonance of the original film.

To further enrich the story, heartfelt original poems written for the film explore the inner workings of a Grand Mosque janitor. These poems were performed a cappella by the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra, whose voices conveyed the message of the story with unparalleled authenticity and depth. The absence of instruments added a unique layer to the film, increasing its emotional impact and amplifying the film's central themes with clarity and power. Throughout the history of cinema, there have been remarkably few films about Makkah and the Holy Mosque of Makkah. This is especially true in animation. It is therefore a great pleasure and a deeply satisfying experience for us to have had the opportunity to collaborate together. The project took almost two years to complete due to the coronavirus that infected many of the people involved in the film's production.

What did you learn about the production side, the filmmaking side, the creative side, or the subject matter through the experience of making this film? It was a deeply enriching experience, strengthening both our bond and our creative process. Most importantly, I have discovered, it is about creating art that makes a difference, art that resonates, inspires, and leaves a lasting impact. In a world that often overlooks the small, everyday roles we play, I have come to realize that the true heart of any community lies in the hands of those who serve quietly and unnoticed. Exploring the interior of a holy mosque deepened my appreciation for the unsung heroes who often go unnoticed, but serve with humility and dedication. The trip reinforced the core message of equality and dignity. That even the smallest role, no matter how small, is of profound significance. The trip also reminded us of our common human experience of seeking connection, especially in times of crisis.

Tell us about how you developed the visual approach of this work, why you settled on this style/method, and how it shaped the final work

By combining two art forms, traditional painting and 2D animation I developed the visual approach for this film by combining two art forms: traditional painting and 2D animation. Since the film is rooted in my original work, it was important to stay as true as possible to the style and essence of the work. 2-D animation seemed the perfect medium because it evokes nostalgia, has a warm human touch, and enhances the emotional depth of the film. I felt that this was the best medium for the film. This approach seamlessly aligns with the film's message, which emphasizes humanity and timeless values.