The Cradle tells the story of Alaa, a young boy whose father dies unexpectedly. Overwhelmed by grief, he is drawn to the cemetery in search of a way to bring him back. There, he meets an elderly carpenter, and an unexpected bond begins to form between them. As the days pass, Alaa embarks on a deeply personal journey to understand loss and the meaning of departure, discovering that death is not always an ending, and that some absences can forever change the way we see life.
Director Details
Mamdouh Salem is a Saudi director and producer regarded as one of the early figures who helped shape the Kingdom’s modern cinematic landscape. He began his career directing and producing documentaries and short films, including Laylat Al-Badr, Muhimmat Tifl, Akmam Al-Ard, and The Cradle. His work has screened at Arab and international film festivals, earning numerous awards and widespread recognition. In 2006, Salem founded Saudi Arabia’s first film festival. He continues to support emerging talent and develop visual narratives that reflect Saudi identity through a contemporary cinematic perspective.
