Jessica Alba hints at upcoming collaboration with Haifaa Al Mansour & Dakota Johnson on "A Tree Is Blue" - described as "Tender & Beautiful"

Jessica Alba attended the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia on Friday, using the platform to advocate for empowerment as the nation continues to expand its film and television industry. During an on-stage discussion, Alba shared insights about her production ventures under her labels Lady Meadowmark and Lady Spitfire.

Reflecting on her career, Alba noted, After 12 years building The Honest Company, taking it public, and transitioning leadership, I felt ready to return to my true passionstorytelling. Cinema and television have unmatched power to open minds and hearts. She attributed her love for storytelling to her childhood experiences, saying, Being a sickly child in hospitals, I would watch movies and imagine myself as a superhero. Storytelling has no limits, and that captivated me.

Alba emphasized that her production goals are focused on diverse narratives that she felt were absent during her youth. I didnt see many diverse stories, she explained. Hollywood is largely led by white men who tell stories through their own lens. As a woman of color, I see opportunities to share stories that challenge conventional boundaries.

She continued, The stories I pursue naturally defy the norms. I also view this logically: women are 50% of the population and control 70% of household income. Entertainment should reflect us, our experiences, our families. Stories led by women resonate with everyone, not just women.

Alba also expressed a desire to challenge stereotypical portrayals of Latino communities. Stories about Latinos are often limited to crime or drug narratives, but our experiences are far richer. I want to broaden that perspective, she said.

During her visit, Alba revealed plans to collaborate with Saudi filmmaker Haifaa Al Mansour on a sensitive feature. Ive been discussing this with her for years. It will be a tender story about a parent and daughter, she said, noting that another actor attached to the project would also attend the festival.

Additionally, Alba mentioned her involvement in Dakota Johnsons directorial debut, A Tree Is Blue. The film focuses on an autistic girl seeking independence and her relationship with her mother. Its a beautiful, heartfelt story. I hope we can present it at the festival next year if its completed, she shared.

Author: Grace Ellison