Defying odds to pursue her passion for film-making

Buthaina bint Nasser bin Saif al kindiyah, an Omani film production student at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (UWM), is making waves in the world of filmmaking with her talent and dedication. Despite facing challenges and naysayers, Buthaina’s passion for film has propelled her forward.

Buthaina’s journey in film began during her high school years when she discovered her love for creating videos. With her own YouTube channel at just 14 years old, she honed her skills in filming and editing, laying the foundation for her future aspirations in the field of film production.



While UWM does not offer a specific major in film-making or film studies, the university’s Department of Film, Video, Animation, and New Genres within the Peck School of the Arts provides a comprehensive education in the various aspects of film and video production. Buthaina found her niche in the programme, which offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree with a focus on film production.

Despite lacking the support, she desired to pursue her studies, Buthaina remained steadfast in her decision to follow her passion. Many people tried to dissuade her, claiming that a film production major would not lead to a successful future. However, she refused to give up on her dreams and pressed on, determined to prove them wrong.



Buthaina’s dedication paid off when her documentary film, “Wa Lahum Hayah” which means and they have life, garnered attention and acclaim at multiple film festivals. The university recognised her talent and granted her a scholarship to complete her studies, easing her financial burden. As she was studying on a government scholarship, she also received an award of money for her achievements.

“Wa Lahum Hayah” was nominated as one of the best documentaries at the Alabama Film Festival’s “Black Warrior Film Festival 2022”, and went on to win the Best Documentary Film at the “Aks Festival” in Oman. The film’s success is a testament to Buthaina’s storytelling abilities and her skill in capturing compelling narratives on screen.



Filming “Wa Lahum Hayah” posed unique challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. With remote learning in effect, accessing equipment became more difficult compared to normal times when the university provided everything needed for filming. Nevertheless, Buthaina persevered and managed to create a captivating documentary despite the limitations.



Buthaina’s accomplishments have opened doors of opportunity for her to collaborate with major companies and engage in professional training. Her talent and success in the film industry have garnered recognition and respect, paving the way for a promising future in the field she loves.

Buthaina expressed resilience in the face of criticism and opposition encountered within the film-making industry. They relied on their unyielding determination, persistence, and deep passion for the discipline to forge ahead, firmly believing in a prosperous future.

As Buthaina continues her studies at UWM and explores new horizons in film-making, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring film-makers everywhere. With passion, determination, and an unwavering belief in one’s abilities, dreams can be turned into reality, even in the face of scepticism. Buthaina is a shining example of this truth, and her journey in film is only just beginning.