Even though Chndy was born in Oman, Saudi Arabia has been a land of creative opportunities for him. He moved to Riyadh in 2014, and admits that the shift completely changed his life. Best known as a filmmaker, he is also a photographer and a designer, and found his creative niche in the kindgom. In fact, he is currently working as a consultant for the Red Sea International Film Festival.
“I’m still trying to figure out the idea of home. I moved to Riyadh and that shift completely changed my life. Somehow I have always end up in Riyadh and Dubai, and then Oman to see my family. Even though I am not from here, people took me in.”
He muses, “I always ask myself ‘where will I take my kids to school?’ Riyadh is shaping up to be that. I will eventually have my home and studio here.” Here, we discover some creative hotspots in his home away from home.
You’ll find me chilling at… JAX District
There’s this new place called JAX. I just passed by it the other day and I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if I started hanging out there daily. Things are warming up, and it’s very exciting. I love that Saudi artists are put in these positions. It’s not like someone comes internationally, it feels home-grown – we feel heard. The city gives me the chance to be a part of this huge collective of creatives that are pushing forward their narrative.
My favourite gallery is… Gharem Studios
The library here is amazing and I love having discussions about work in progress. Gharem Studio is the first place I slept in right after I landed in Saudi. It’s the first place that I felt welcomed in Riyadh. So I go there and chill.
My late night hangout spot is… Mabrook
If it’s 1am and I want to meet up with someone, but I don’t want to do anything extra, I head here. I like Mabrook because it’s very fresh, it’s not gimmicky. Even the road leading to it has good lighting, it’s very simple.
My new go-to coffee shop is… %Arabica
They opened in Riyadh. It was super crowded, but right when I had the first sip of my coffee,
I realised why it was so good and popular. I had a mocha with Oatly, as I’m lactose intolerant, and they’re one of the few places to do this.
A restaurant I’m really rating is… Suhail
Suhail is a good Saudi restaurant that serves top-notch traditional food. They mainly serve small platters. It is underrated and I don’t see much buzz about it. I love it – when I’m there
I usually order the saleeg.
A misconception about the city that irks me is… women can’t do things
Obviously it’s harder, I know it is. At the Red Sea Film Festival, most heads are women. People think women aren’t in positions to do things, but now they are.
The one thing I would take with me from Riyadh on my travels… the creativity
Riyadh has been like school to me, as it’s where I grow and learn. So I would take the creative spirit with me. What I love is the knowledge and the experience it has given me.
Follow Chndy’s work at instagram.com/chndy_
