Ali Kalthami stands among the new generation of Saudi creatives transforming the landscape of cinema and storytelling in the Middle East. A director, writer, and producer, he represents the pulse of a nation eager to express its identity through authentic narratives. Known for his exceptional storytelling in Mandoob (also titled Night Courier), and as a co-founder of the creative powerhouse Telfaz11, Kalthami has emerged as one of the leading figures behind Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry. His artistic journey reflects the country’s rapid cultural evolution, where filmmaking has shifted from a niche pursuit to a national movement.
Born and raised in Riyadh, Ali Kalthami combines a deep love for his homeland with an unflinching eye for social realism. Through his work, he captures the complexities, contradictions, and transformations of Saudi society — from the silent struggles of individuals to the collective reawakening of a nation. His rise in the creative world demonstrates not only his personal brilliance but also the boundless potential of a country rewriting its own cinematic history.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ali Kalthami’s creative roots trace back to his academic and professional background in computer science. Before stepping fully into film, he worked at the Saudi broadcaster MBC Group, where he developed a strong foundation in media production. However, it was not long before his passion for storytelling took over. He saw in film and online media a new way to portray the unseen stories of ordinary Saudis — stories that had been overlooked for decades.
In the early 2010s, as Saudi Arabia was still slowly opening up to creative industries, Kalthami and a group of like-minded visionaries founded Telfaz11, an independent media company that began as a YouTube collective. Telfaz11 quickly gained national fame through its witty, bold, and often satirical sketches that reflected everyday Saudi life. The company’s approach to storytelling was refreshingly honest — a mix of humour, realism, and cultural self-reflection that resonated with millions.
Founding of Telfaz11 and Its Impact
The establishment of Telfaz11 marked a turning point in Saudi digital entertainment. With Kalthami as one of its creative forces, the company became a training ground for a new generation of filmmakers and actors. What started as short web sketches evolved into a full-fledged production studio, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s entertainment revolution.
Through Telfaz11, Kalthami and his peers challenged traditional notions of media, breaking stereotypes and pushing boundaries. The group’s online videos weren’t merely comedy; they were a cultural mirror. They tackled social issues, youth identity, and the subtle tensions between modernity and tradition in Saudi society. This raw honesty made Telfaz11 an essential part of the kingdom’s new cultural identity.
As Saudi Arabia reintroduced cinemas in 2018 after a 35-year hiatus, Telfaz11 was perfectly positioned to make the leap from digital platforms to the big screen. Kalthami, already an established storyteller, embraced this new era with ambition, determination, and purpose.
The Artistic Vision of Ali Kalthami
Ali Kalthami’s work stands out for its cinematic realism and its ability to capture the essence of everyday Saudi life. His directing style focuses on the subtleties of emotion, light, and environment. He believes that every city, street, and face holds a story worth telling. His films often depict characters who are neither heroes nor villains but ordinary individuals navigating change and uncertainty.
In interviews, Kalthami has said that he wants to show “life as we really live it.” This philosophy guides his art. He avoids over-dramatisation and instead emphasises the quiet, often overlooked human experiences that define his culture. His characters represent Riyadh’s evolving identity — from delivery drivers to young dreamers — reflecting a generation caught between tradition and modernity.
Kalthami’s creative approach also reveals his technical expertise. His background in computer science gives him a structured and innovative mindset, blending logic with artistry. His attention to cinematography, pacing, and dialogue demonstrates an understanding of both Western storytelling techniques and Arabic narrative traditions.
Mandoob: A Defining Moment in Saudi Cinema
Ali Kalthami’s 2023 film Mandoob (translated as Night Courier) marked a milestone in his career. The film follows a delivery driver who becomes entangled in an underground network while trying to survive the challenges of modern Riyadh. More than a thriller, Mandoob is a social commentary on the economic struggles, loneliness, and silent hopes of urban Saudis.
The film received critical acclaim both domestically and internationally. Audiences praised its authenticity, visual storytelling, and its unfiltered look at life in the Saudi capital. Mandoob was also celebrated for breaking away from the glossy portrayals of the region often seen in Western cinema. Instead, Kalthami offered an insider’s view — honest, layered, and emotionally rich.
What made Mandoob particularly significant was its ability to bridge local and global audiences. For Saudi viewers, it was a reflection of their own experiences. For international audiences, it was a window into a world rarely portrayed on screen. Kalthami’s skill lay in crafting a story that felt universal while remaining deeply rooted in Saudi identity.
Cultural Representation and Saudi Identity
Ali Kalthami’s work contributes to a larger movement in Saudi Arabia — the reclaiming of cultural representation. For decades, the global perception of Saudi society was shaped by outsiders. Kalthami’s mission is to reverse that. Through his films and creative projects, he strives to ensure that Saudis tell their own stories, in their own voice.
He often highlights the diversity within Saudi Arabia itself, especially the nuances of Riyadh’s urban life. His characters speak in authentic dialects, dress in familiar styles, and face relatable struggles. He captures not only the city’s physical transformation but also its psychological evolution — the awakening of ambition, creativity, and individuality among its youth.
Kalthami’s storytelling has been praised for its empathy and balance. He avoids both blind optimism and harsh criticism. Instead, he portrays Saudi society with affection and honesty, showing both its flaws and its beauty. This ability to combine truth with artistry is what sets him apart as a filmmaker.
The Evolution of Saudi Cinema
Ali Kalthami’s rise mirrors the broader evolution of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector. Once closed to public cinemas, the kingdom is now investing heavily in film, television, and creative industries. The government’s Vision 2030 initiative has encouraged young artists to explore filmmaking as a legitimate career.
Kalthami has become a role model in this cultural rebirth. Through Telfaz11, he mentors new storytellers and pushes for professional training opportunities. He believes that Saudi cinema’s future depends on nurturing local talent rather than importing external influences.
Under his guidance, Telfaz11 has partnered with global streaming platforms and participated in international film festivals. These collaborations have helped Saudi cinema gain recognition on the world stage while maintaining its authenticity. Kalthami’s influence ensures that Saudi filmmakers are not just participants but leaders in shaping their creative narrative.
The Philosophy Behind His Storytelling
Ali Kalthami’s storytelling philosophy is grounded in realism, empathy, and cultural pride. He believes cinema should reflect truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. His narratives often revolve around ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances — not through fantasy, but through the pressures of modern life.
He also emphasises the power of subtlety. Instead of relying on loud messages, he allows his characters and visuals to speak. His use of lighting, silence, and movement conveys emotion as powerfully as dialogue. This restrained style gives his work a poetic depth uncommon in mainstream cinema.
Moreover, Kalthami’s films reveal a fascination with the passage of time and the transformation of place. Riyadh, often seen as a backdrop in his stories, becomes almost a character itself — breathing, changing, and reflecting the hopes of its people.
The Role of Technology and Creativity
Ali Kalthami’s background in computer science makes him uniquely skilled in blending technology with creativity. He recognises the importance of digital tools, not just in production but also in distribution and storytelling. He often encourages young filmmakers to experiment with new methods such as mobile filmmaking, online editing platforms, and digital collaboration.
His participation in workshops promoting smartphone filmmaking and iPhone photography shows his commitment to accessibility in art. He believes creativity should not be limited by resources; it should thrive on imagination. This mindset has helped democratise filmmaking in Saudi Arabia, inspiring many young creators to tell their own stories regardless of budget.
Future Projects and Legacy
As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its cultural and cinematic infrastructure, Ali Kalthami remains at the forefront of its artistic transformation. He has hinted at new projects exploring the human condition, social change, and the complexities of identity in the Gulf region. His goal is to create films that entertain while prompting reflection and dialogue.
Kalthami’s legacy is already visible. He has inspired a generation of storytellers who now see filmmaking as a powerful means of expression. His success has also shown that Saudi cinema can be commercially viable and globally respected. Through his leadership at Telfaz11 and his personal works, he has built bridges between tradition and innovation, between local culture and universal storytelling.
Conclusion
Ali Kalthami’s journey from a young Saudi dreamer to an internationally recognised filmmaker encapsulates the story of a nation in transformation. His artistry is more than just cinematic; it is cultural and generational. Through his films, he captures the heartbeat of a society discovering itself anew.
His achievements with Mandoob and Telfaz11 prove that Saudi stories deserve global attention. They also demonstrate that authenticity is the most powerful storytelling tool. Ali Kalthami is not just a filmmaker — he is a pioneer, shaping the identity of modern Arab cinema and ensuring that the world sees Saudi Arabia through the eyes of its own people.