Beyond The Sand
Beyond The Sand
Short Film • Storytelling
Beyond The Sand
Beyond the Sands is an 8 minutes short film developed as part of a university team project, blending drama, historical elements, and light comedy. The film tells a culturally rich story set in the desert, following a foreign traveler who unexpectedly experiences traditional Bedouin life. Through storytelling and visual narrative, the film explores themes of culture, identity, and human connection.
Category
Short Film
Project
University Project
Year
2023
By
Sara Alsubait - Hessa Badow - Zahraa Aljazeeri - Mayram Abdulrahman
THE goal &
Objective
The main goal was to document the program in a visually engaging way that reflects its energy, creativity, and impact on children.
The objective was to produce content suitable for social media while capturing authentic moments that represent the identity of the program.
THE STORY
The film follows Rebecca, a foreign traveler who is unexpectedly left alone in the desert and encounters a Bedouin family. Initially confused and disconnected due to language and cultural differences, she slowly begins to adapt and understand their way of life. Through shared moments, such as eating together, learning traditions, and experiencing daily activities, like Rebecca forms a silent yet powerful bond with the family.
As the story unfolds, the narrative shifts from confusion to connection, highlighting how simple human interactions can bridge cultural gaps. The desert setting becomes more than just a location, it acts as a space of transformation, where Rebecca’s perspective evolves through experience rather than words.
The story concludes years later, showing how this encounter left a lasting impact on her identity, symbolizing how cultural experiences shape individuals over time. The use of a time jump reinforces the emotional depth and lasting memory of her journey.
OUR APPROACH
The project followed a full production pipeline, starting with research, scriptwriting, and storyboarding to establish a clear narrative and visual direction. The team carefully planned each scene, including shot lists, camera angles, and transitions, ensuring a structured and organized workflow throughout the production process.
Filming took place in desert locations and traditional settings to maintain authenticity, supported by detailed planning of props, costumes, and environments that reflect Bedouin culture. Attention was given to cinematography techniques such as wide establishing shots, close ups, and natural lighting to enhance storytelling and visual impact.
Post production focused on editing in Adobe Premiere Pro, sound editing in Adobe Audition, and pacing to ensure smooth narrative flow. Ambient sounds, music, and transitions were used to strengthen the emotional tone and immerse the audience in the story, resulting in a cohesive and polished final film.
the outcome
The final film successfully delivers a meaningful cultural narrative, combining storytelling, visual design, and teamwork. It demonstrates strong skills in film production, planning, and creative direction, while presenting a story that resonates emotionally with the audience.