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Artist Spotlight: Archivist & Projectionist Jameel Muhjab

 

 

For this month’s Artist Spotlight, we are honored to feature Jameel Mohjeb, a dedicated figure in the preservation and restoration of cinema heritage in Saudi Arabia. Born and raised in Jeddah, Jameel’s love for films began at a young age, and his fascination with the intricate machinery behind them ignited a lifelong passion. Over the years, he has become a recognized expert in antique cinema equipment restoration and has built one of the largest cinema heritage archives in the country.

Jameel’s journey started at just 14 years old when he worked as a laborer in Jeddah’s markets to fund his interest in films and cinema equipment. His dedication to learning the art of repairing cinematic machinery led him to work at the Jameel Company, where he honed his skills in film preservation and equipment restoration. With an unyielding love for the craft, Jameel began collecting and restoring old cinema equipment, giving new life to discarded projectors and films that carried rich histories.

Through years of hard work and perseverance, Jameel not only built a remarkable collection of over 150 films from around the world but also amassed an impressive assortment of antique projectors and gramophones. His collection tells the story of cinema’s evolution, with each piece carrying its own historical significance. Today, Jameel is known in cultural circles as “Cinema Jameel,” and he has showcased his archive at numerous cinema festivals, sharing his passion for film preservation with a new generation.

Despite facing health challenges, Jameel’s commitment to preserving cinema heritage remains unwavering. His journey is a testament to the power of passion and determination, and he continues to inspire those around him with his work. Jameel’s story highlights the importance of protecting the past while educating future generations about the magic and history of cinema