"A Life Story": The Tale of a Woman Who Made Her Name

Under the patronage of Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, the Al-Dasmah Theater will host a screening of the documentary “A Life Story” next Monday. The film revisits the biography of the late artist Haifa Al-Hendawi, documenting her artistic and humanitarian journey that etched her name into the collective memory of Kuwait and the Gulf region, with her works remaining vivid in the hearts of generations of viewers.

Produced by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, the film was conceived and overseen by Assistant Secretary-General for Financial, Administrative, Artistic Affairs, and Support Services, Muhsin Mohammed Al-Zamil, who appointed Dr. Ali Hassan to direct it. Filming began approximately four months ago, tracing key moments in the life of an artist whose rise to the top was not easy, but preceded by considerable hardship, determination, and faith in her talent.

“A Life Story” focuses on Haifa Al-Hendawi’s beginnings and her struggles to enter the artistic field, her transition from radio to television, and the milestones that established her prominent presence. It highlights her artistic partnerships with stars who became iconic figures in Kuwaiti drama history, notably Suad Abdullah, Ghanem Al-Saleh, and Abdulhussain Abdulredha, making their works an integral part of the audience’s memory and emotional landscape.

The film also explores Haifa Al-Hendawi’s boldness in her artistic choices and the diverse themes of her works, including “Umm Haroun” and “Margaret,” before reaching the stages of illness and passing. It offers a humanistic reflection on the career of an artist who remained loyal to her craft until she became one of the most prominent symbols of the region.

Since the story is incomplete without the voices of those who lived alongside her and worked with her, the documentary features testimonies from several artists and media personalities who knew the late star closely, including Saad Al-Faraj, Suad Abdullah, Mohammed Al-Mansour, Abdullah Al-Hubail, Abdulrahman Al-Aqil, and Mohammed Jaber, alongside Dr. Mohammed Mubarak Bilal and Dr. Khalid AbdulLatif Ramadan. These memories and impressions combine to document aspects of her experience and her artistic and humanitarian stature. The film also notes that some artists, such as Mariam Al-Saleh, Khalid Al-Obaid, and Ibrahim Al-Salal, could not appear due to circumstances.

Dr. Ali Hassan handled the vision, screenplay, and direction, in collaboration with Executive Director Abdullah Hassan, Assistant Director Mahmoud Ali Al-Rais, and Assistant Director Fatima Al-Mutawa. Production Manager Yaqoub Al-Khazzan oversaw production operations, while Badr Al-Jaraf Al-Suqari managed the script, writing, and preparation. A special original score was composed for the film, which was shot using high-end techniques to resonate deeply with audiences.

The screening of “A Life Story” at the renovated Al-Dasmah Theater offers the public an opportunity to reconnect with the biography of an artist whose name was intertwined with Gulf households for decades, sharing in their laughter, tears, and emotional connection to her characters and stories. Haifa Al-Hendawi was more than just a name on a drama title card; she was a complete artistic memory that captured the features and details of society, narrating a tale of struggle, talent, and dedication.

In this film, the audience does not merely revisit Haifa Al-Hendawi’s works, but also the story of a woman who built her status through her own efforts and left behind a legacy that will not fade with her passing. Her biography stands as a testament that for some artists, their stories do not end when the curtain falls, but rather begin a new journey in the collective memory of people.