In celebration of the launch of Season 2 of AlRawabi School for Girls today, the show’s writer and director, Tima Shomali, shares details on what audiences can expect from the Jordanian series this time around.
Photo: Zaid Allozi
It’s been more than two years since coming-of-age teen drama series AlRawabi School for Girls first dropped on Netflix. Touching upon a series of taboo topics — from sexual assault and bullying, to physical abuse and honor killings, the Jordanian show hit audiences like a tornado, topping trending charts and kickstarting necessary — and perhaps even sometimes uncomfortable — conversations not just in the region, but around the globe. Played by Noor Taher, Andria Tayeh, Rakeen Saad, Joanna Arida, Yara Mustafa, Salsabiela, Nadera Emra, and Reem Saadeh, the characters of AlRawabi School for Girls Season 1 told the story of rivalry among teenage cliques, and kept audiences on the edge of their seats episode after episode, ending the season on a major cliffhanger.
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Today, on February 15, the AlRawabi crew is back with a brand new season, and brand new faces — who also star on the cover of Vogue Arabia’s February 2024 issue and were last seen having a blast together at Hai Vogue in Jeddah. This season, viewers will get to meet a fresh set of students, played by Raneem Haitham, Kira Yaghnam, Tara Abboud, Sarah Yousef, Tara Atalla, and Thalia Alansari, and unbox more drama, more hilarious moments, and most importantly, more eye-opening topics related to the youth. As Season 2 launches, Vogue Arabia chats with Tima Shomali, the creator of the show, about what’s coming up in its latest edition.
Congratulations on a new season of AlRawabi School for Girls! How do you feel as we approach the release of Season 2?
I am very excited for people to see Season 2. This season we will take audiences into a journey that will feel like an emotional rollercoaster — literally! They will love one character, hate them, then feel bad for them, and then this character will make them cry. I feel like this season, we dig deeper into the characters, which will make them universally relatable… I hope.
Tell us a little bit about the cast for Season 2. What makes each of the girls special according to you?
Casting the girls who play the characters we wrote and consider our babies is a very intimate process for me, and it is personal. As a director, my casting criteria does not rely on talent only. It is also important for me to get to know the girls on a deeper level, to know their own stories and challenges, find their own uniqueness, and figure out how their own personal experiences can help them work on the character they play on the show. It helps me direct each girl differently, because I do not use the same method to direct everyone. I do believe that the relationship for me as a director with each actress is key to knowing how to reach them, and I am so proud of the girls’ growth throughout our preparation period and into production, and how they have flourished. Each girl is unique in her own way, and they all have something to say. My job is to find that X factor within them and make it shine.
Photo: Zaid Allozi
Since Season 1, AlRawabi School for Girls has become a major hit. Did you anticipate this level of success when you first started working on the show?
Growing up, I didn’t really feel that I could see myself or relate to the content that was on TV. As a teenager, I felt that the young adult genre had been neglected in our region, so when I started working on this show, I knew I should work on characters that the 17-year-old me could relate to. It’s not easy, believe me! It requires A LOT of hard work, research, and so many falls until you get to where you want to be, so to answer your question, I kind of knew that the show would be relatable to many people — especially in our region, who are thirsty for this kind of content. However, what I didn’t know and what came to me as a happy surprise, was that [the show] would travel globally beyond our region. For as long as I can remember, we have always watched western TV shows, so to have our show being watched globally made me very proud… that a show made in Jordan was watched and loved by the world.
From social media’s impact on young girls, to bullying, the show covers a diverse range of issues. How much impact do you think shows can have on mindsets and influence audiences?
I think Season 1 helped audiences have open conversations about bullying, which for me as a filmmaker is the impact I always aspire to create… to be part of the change and to shed light on important topics that will start a much-needed dialogue. Season 2 will hopefully have a similar impact in creating conversations around the effects of social media on the mental health of teenagers.
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Pop culture is a powerful tool when it comes to educating audiences. Do you feel a sense of responsibility towards the audience of AlRawabi School for Girls? What message do you hope to relay to them through the show?
To have impact is not only a responsibility for me as a filmmaker and storyteller, but something I aspire to do. It requires a lot of work and research to tell stories that touch people, and most importantly, to be authentic. I hope this season will act as a wake up call to all types of people — teenagers, parents, and teachers — to see how little things we do or say can have a huge impact on the lives of others. I really hope that it drives some change, inspiring people to be more aware of how they use social media and to be more sensitive and accepting of one another.
As an Arab director, what’s one piece of advice you’d like to give to budding creatives in the region?
The script. The script, and then the script! It all starts with the story. Make it good on paper first, before moving to the other stages. And never ever give up!
Lastly, can you share one secret about AlRawabi School for Girls Season 2 with us?
There will be closure to Season 1. I promise!
