SAMAHER ALDHAMEN

As an academic researcher, I specialize in various areas of expertise around art and literature, including literary theories, cultural studies, translation studies, performing art, visual art, and film theory. With a keen eye for analysis and a passion for art, I have mastered how to explore the intricate connections between art, culture, and society. My experience in cultural management and event planning has equipped me with the skills necessary to coordinate and execute successful and engaging experiences for audiences.
I aim to apply my in-depth knowledge and passion for art and literature in a leading position so I can leverage my strong leadership abilities, intercultural competence, and proven track record in strategic planning to enhance the international reputation and impact of our national culture. My ultimate goal is to lead a dynamic strategy to amplify the uniqueness of Saudi Culture on both local and international levels, fostering international partnerships, and enhancing the presence of our arts in the global culture industry.

Vice President of the Saudi Society of Comparative Literature. 2020- recent.

• Negotiated ways of collaboration and built beneficial relationships with organizations and individuals.
• Developed specific plans and guided programs.
• Represented the society at relevant conferences, meetings, and interviews.
• Created strategies to take advantage of the society's growth opportunities.
• Designed cultural seasons that include workshops, seminars, and symposiums.
• Managed the society's activities at the Writers and Readers Festival - Dammam- 2023.

Culture and Arts Society as a Project Coordinator. 2009- 2010. 

• Strengthened my own theater knowledge by engaging in conferences and public discussions on Saudi theater.
• Reviewed scenarios and provided feedback.
• Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
• Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
• Collaborated with project teams in gathering user requirements and developing project plans.

• Plot and free playing in Stranger Things. Riyadh. 2023.
• Terrifying Mothers: Mothers in Horror Films”. Saudi Community of Philosophy. Motherhood philosophy. 2022.
• “When Demons Left, Post-horror Cinema”. Riyadh Cultural Forum. 2022.
• “Ecological tourism”. College of Art. KSU. 2022.
• “Kaf wa Dofoof: Identity through body performativity”. Seminar. Identity and Narrative. Arabic Language and Literature department. KSU. 2021.
• “Ershaaash: Ecological, Cultural View”. Althulathaa cultural forum. Qatif. 2021.
• A New Abaya. A New Woman: Decoding Abaya Message in Saudi TV searie ”. Riyadh. 2021.
• “The Future of Comparative Literature”. Seminar: Comparison: Opening to Literatures of the world. Riyadh. 2021.
• “Overt VS. Covert Racism: Skin Colour in Arabic Novels. The Forum of Art and Literature. 2021.
• “Loneliness and Commodification of Love in HER.” The Critical Circle. Riyadh. 2020.
• “And Now Who is Gazing in the Screen?” Revisiting the Male Gaze theory. The Symposium of the department of Arabic Language. KSU. Riyadh. 2019.
• “Ascending the Social Ladder on the Bridge of the Body: Female Domestic Workers sexuality in Modern Arabic Fiction.” The Symposium of the department of Arabic Language. KSU. 2020.
• “Writing Thesis/Dissertation in Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies.” A CLCS info panel. The University of Arkansas- Fayetteville. March, 7. 2019.
• “The Popularity of Bollywood Cinema in the Middle East”. Guest lecture delivered at The University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. March. 2019.
• “No Woman No Drive: Video Songs for Saudi Women’s rights.” Delivered at Eye on Saudi event, organized by The Saudi Student Association, a student organization in The University of Colorado Boulder. Nov, 17, 2017.
• “The First Chapter Device, and the Reincarnation Belief in I, The Divine. A Novel in First Chapter.” Presented at MSSA (Mid-South Sociological Association) Chattanooga, TN. Oct 18-21, 2017.
• “Gender Politics of Walls: What Does Architecture Tell About Struggle of Power in Saudi Arabia?” Presented at NeMLA (Northeast Modern Language Association) Baltimore 48th annual convention, MD. Mar 23 to 26, 2017.
• “Reflections on Adoration of the Language in Ali Subaa’s Through all The City’s Doors.” Delivered at Harf Literary Forum, Saudi Arabia. May, 19, 2011.
• “The Narrative of Voluntary Slavery in Abdu Khal’s It Throws Sparks.” Delivered at Tuesday’s Cultural Forum/ Kuwait University, Kuwait. Apr, 20. 2010.
• “Challenging Taboos in Saudi Women’s Novels.” Delivered at The Family of Writers And Authors, Bahrain. Jan, 1, 2008.
• “Constructing the Feminine Memory in Saudi Women’s Fiction.” Delivered at al-Bahah’s Annual Conference on Saudi Novel. Al-Bahah, Saudi Arabia. Sep, 4, 2007.

• “Do Not Be Afraid, My Child: What is behind and before motherhood in classic horror cinema.” Al-Faisal Magazine. 2023.
• "The Vegeterain: The ugliest pictures are the most wonderful ones." Syaq. 2022.
• “The Essenssial Question in Al-Ataif Street by Abdullah Bakhit.” Al-Hayat, London- based daily Arabic-language newspaper. 2011.
• “The Narrative of Voluntary Slavery in Abdu Khal’s It Throws Sparks.” Al-Hayat, London-based daily Arabic-language newspaper. May 17, 2011.
• “The Essential Question in Abdullah Bin Bakheet’s Al-Atayef Street”. Al-Hayat Newspaper- June, 12 2011.
• “Zahra’s Grandmother’s Coffin: "Godmothers in the Era of Globalization”. Samaward (online magazine). Fall, 2010.
• “Ghada Elhassan: On the Languages of Birds. Art Exhibition Review” Al-Hayat Newspaper. Des, 22, 2009.

• Academic Leadership. Washington, USA. 2019. (2-day course).
• Quality and Academic Accreditation Practitioner. Deanship of Development and Quality at King Saud University. 2022.
• Steps to submit research for publication in ISI journals. (3 hours) Deanship of Human Resources Development. King Saud University. 2021.
• The original is a traitor to the translation (3 hours). Saudi Society for Comparative Literature. 2021.
• Literary translation and its cultural dimensions. (3 hours). Saudi Society for Comparative Literature. 2020.
• Training of trainers program TOT. Sanaa'. 2010.

• Theater in the Roots

I implemented a unique teaching strategy, where I convert literary texts into scripts and facilitate in-class performances. By immersing students in the world of literature through theatrical expression, I foster their creativity, critical thinking, and understanding of complex themes.

I also presented an idea of the off-the-street theater (scripts were adopted from literary texts) during the Writers and Readers Festival. Dammam.   

• Translation

Reviewing and Evaluating translations
Translated a book African Films Studies (in press)

• Cinema and visual arts studies

Fascinated by the power of art and visual storytelling, I have dedicated my academic pursuits to the study of visual arts, architecture, cinema, theater, and TV shows. This interdisciplinary approach enriches my understanding of the creative process, enabling me to analyze and appreciate diverse artistic forms and their cultural significance.

• Creator of ideas and content

I have conceived and designed various events, ranging from workshops and group discussions to programs featuring international guests. By curating engaging and thought-provoking experiences, I foster intellectual growth, encourage collaboration, and facilitate the exchange of ideas among participants.

• Media representation and negotiation skills

I have released seven episodes of Qarib podcast, where I interviewed local and international thinkers. Furthermore, I have represented the SSCL in interviews and events, showcasing my negotiation skills and ability to navigate media scenes with professionalism and confidence.

• Leadership skills
• Effective communication
• Analytical dissection making
• Conflicts resolution
• Strategic planning
• curiosity and desire to learn about different cultures
• Mastering arbitration and project evaluation.
• Academic training in analyzing arts and creative works.
• Delegation and team work skills

Books

• Motherless Women: Feminine Subjectivity in Saudi Women Novel. Beirut, Daar al-Entishar al-Arabi.
• Book chapters: “Constructing Feminine Memory in Saudi Women's Fiction.” The Annual Conference on Saudi Novel, Al-Bahah literary forum, 2008.

Coming books

• The Hidden Help: Domestic Workers in Modern Arabic Fiction.
• Post-horror Cinema.
• African Film Studies (translation).

• Hudson Prize for Humanities. The University of Arkansas. 2018.
• Book Publication Fund. Al-Bahah. Saudi Arabia. 2009.

• Plot and free playing in the TV series Stranger Things. Riyadh. 2023.
• Terrifying Mothers: Mothers in Horror Films”. Saudi Community of Philosophy. Motherhood philosophy. 2022.
• “When Demons Left, Post-horror Cinema”. Riyadh Cultural Forum. 2022.
• “Ecological tourism”. College of Art. KSU. 2022.
• “Kaf wa Dofoof: Identity through body performativity”. Seminar. Identity and Narrative. KSU. 2021.
• “Ershaaash: Ecological, Cultural View”. Althulathaa cultural forum. Qatif. 2021.
• A New Abaya. A New Woman: Decoding Abaya Message in Saudi TV series Whispers.” Riyadh. 2021.
• “The Future of Comparative Literature”. Seminar: Comparison: Opening to Literature of the World. Riyadh. 2021.
• “Decaffeinated Love: Loneliness and Commodification of Love in HER.” The Critical Circle. Riyadh. 2020.
• “And Now Who is Gazing in the Screen?” Revisiting the Male Gaze Theory in Cinema. KSU. Riyadh. 2019.
• “Writing Thesis/Dissertation in Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies.” A CLCS info panel. The University of Arkansas.The USA. 2019.
• “The Popularity of Bollywood Cinema in the Middle East”. Guest lecture delivered at The University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. 2019.
• “Video Songs for Saudi Women’s Driving.” The Saudi Student Association, The University of Colorado Boulder. 2017.
• “The First Chapter Device, and the Reincarnation Belief in I, The Divine. A Novel in First Chapter.” Presented at MSSA (Mid-South Sociological Association) Chattanooga, TN. Oct 18-21, 2017.
• “Gender Politics of Walls: What Does Architecture Tell About Struggle of Power?” Presented at NeMLA (Northeast Modern Language Association) Baltimore 48th annual convention, MD. Mar 23 to 26, 2017.

• “Kid, Do Not Be Scared: What is behind motherhood in classic horror cinema.” Al-Faisal Magazine. 2023.
• "The Vegeterain: The ugliest pictures are the most wonderful ones." Syaq. 2022.
• “The Essential Question in Al-Ataif Street by Abdullah Bakhit.” Al-Hayat, London- based daily Arabic-language newspaper. 2011.
• “The Narrative of Voluntary Slavery in Abdu Khal’s It Throws Sparks.” Al-Hayat, London-based daily Arabic-language newspaper. May 17, 2011.
• “Zahra’s Grandmother’s Coffin: "Godmothers in the Era of Globalization”. Samaward (online magazine). Fall, 2010.
• “Ghada Elhassan: On the Languages of Birds. Art Exhibition Review” Al-Hayat Newspaper. Des, 22, 2009.

• Member of “Everyone Has Their Own Cinema”: International cinema group. 2022- recent.
  • Member of the judging panel for the Best Publishing House Award at the Riyadh Book Fair for two consecutive terms. 2021- 2022.
  • Member of the Advisory Committee for “Tarjem” for two consecutive terms- Ministry of Culture. 2021- 2022
  • Coordinator and member of "Masar" the cultural events program of the Saudi Comparative Literature Society: designed, planned, and supervised events. 2022.
  • Founder of "Qarib": a podcast specializing in criticism and cultural studies. 7 episodes have been released. 2020- recent.
  • Member of the editorial board of "Siaq" a newsletter specializing in criticism. 2022.
  • Member of "Naqid": an intensive training program in criticism. It was held in July 2023.
• Member of the Board of Saudi Comparative Literature Society. October 2020.
• Ambassador for Fulbright Afghan Fulbright Re-entry Seminar. Fayetteville, Arkansas. 2018.
• Interpreter for Fayetteville public school. Fayetteville, Arkansas. 2014- 2015.
• Member of Harf, Literary forum. Saudi Arabia. 2010- 2012.
• Leading member of Noon, Literary forum: Organized and coordinated literary events such as poetry and plays. Saudi Arabia. 2008-2010.

• Attending plays and shows: Demonstrating a passion for live performances and cultural events, I actively engage in attending a diverse range of plays and shows, immersing myself in the rich tapestry of storytelling and artistic expression.
• Exploring museums and art centers: I seek out opportunities to visit museums and art centers in cosmopolitan and metropolitan cities, indulging in the artistic masterpieces and gaining inspiration from diverse art movements.
• Road trips and hiking adventures: Seeking solace in nature's embrace, I embark on thrilling road trips, exploring diverse landscapes and embracing the wonders of the great outdoors, I relish the physical and mental challenges that these adventures present, fostering resilience, self-discovery, and a profound connection with the natural world.
• Culinary exploration: Passionate about culinary arts, I embark on a journey of flavors, experimenting with diverse ingredients, and creating delectable dishes. With curiosity in cultural cuisines, I constantly expand my culinary repertoire, translating my love for cooking into delightful sensory experiences.