February 20 2025
11:19 PMNewsletterSubscribeSign inMy AccountSign out
AlRawabi Season Two: high school, social media, and self-discovery
Israa Radaydeh, Jordan News
last updated:
Feb 19,2024
(Photos: Netflix)
+
-
Season 2 of
the gripping Netflix Jordanian series "AlRawabi School for Girls"
returns, diving deeper into the complex lives of adolescent girls navigating
the treacherous waters of high school, social media, and self-discovery.اضافة اعلان
Following the
story of a teen’s newfound fame on social media as it takes a toll on her
mental health and leads her down a dark destructive path, impacting everyone
around her as her rise and her fall are candidly documented through the lens of
her classmate.
In an
exclusive interview with Jordan News, co-creators Shirin Kamal and Islam
Alshomali, along with Director Tima Shomali, share profound insights into
Season Two’s evolution. Kamal expresses gratitude for Season One’s success,
anticipating Season Two’s impact.
Shomali explains
that Season Two explores the darker side of social media, highlighting its role
in fueling obsession, envy, and online bullying. She emphasizes the blurred
lines between characters' lives and online personas, challenging the perception
that everything seen is real.
Shedding
light on teenagers' pursuit of popularity on various social media platforms,
emphasizing the need for communication among societal factions. Co-creator Islam Al-Shomali stresses the importance of an open dialogue for parents, educators, and
academics. It delves into social media's shadows, Season Two exposes its
capacity to fuel obsession, envy, and cyberbullying. Characters' lives are
intricately entwined with their digital personas, inducing anxiety and
depression as they strive to craft an impeccable image.
The narrative
unfolds the intricate challenges parents face in guiding their children through
the digital era, emphasizing the imperative for transparent communication.
Creators
insights Diving into
the creative minds behind Season Two provides a dynamic exploration of its
thematic richness. Islam Alshomali immerses the narrative in profound layers of
identity, empowerment, and the struggle for justice. Tima Shomali illuminates the
intricate duality of social media, emphasizing its impactful sway on
characters' lives. Season 2 actively steers through the complexities of
cyberbullying, influencer culture, and the ongoing battle for authenticity in
the online sphere.
“It explores
their ability to fuel obsession, envy, and even online bullying.” Tima Shomali
highlighted the intertwining of characters' lives with their online personas,
challenging the perception that everything seen is real. She reveals that not
everything is as it seems, and each episode peels back layers of truth."
"In this
season, focusing on teenagers' pursuit of popularity through various social
media platforms, there is a call for enhanced communication between different
societal factions.” Islam Alshomali stressed the importance of an open dialogue
approach for parents, educators, and academics.
Meanwhile,
Kamal highlighted, "The series sheds light on the struggles of high school
girls at AlRawabi, tackling the allure of social media and their quest for
popularity.” She added it blurs the lines between reality and delusion.
Islam Alshomali urges
parents to monitor their children's online activities, recognizing the
potential dangers of these smart devices. She highlights the double-edged
nature of these platforms and stresses the need for open communication to
prevent significant problems that may arise due to their use."
"The
second season further develops characters, depicting the diverse experiences of
high school girls at AlRawabi as they navigate the challenges of popularity and
social media. Kamal underscores the gap between generations and the struggle of
parents to comprehend the digital world. She emphasizes crafting characters
rooted in reality, despite their fictional nature, to reflect the universal
experiences of teenagers worldwide."
The series,
available on Netflix with over 260 million subscribers in 190 countries,
showcases the success of Jordanian storytelling on a global platform.
Tima
Shomali appreciates the platform's hands-off approach, allowing the
Jordanian production to be presented as is, celebrating the success achieved by
the first season and the unique talents of the Jordanian cast and crew.
"The
introduction of Season Two’s new cast, with diverse backgrounds and concealed
secrets, pledges to captivate viewers. She also concludes with a resounding
message for budding talents—urging them to believe in their unique voices,
embrace bold collaboration, and acknowledge the transformative power of
storytelling in the realm of Season Two.
Meet the
characters: Crafted by a
dedicated team, our story unfolds in a girls' high school, each character
possessing a unique identity. The narrative gracefully transitions between home
and school, exploring the intricate dynamics of teenagers and their interaction
with social media in six episodes lasting 45 to 50 minutes. Now, let us dive
into their worlds:
Tara Aboud
(Sara): A middle-tier student grappling with a fragile personality, yearning
for social media popularity, leading to significant problems.
Sara Youssef
(Tasneem): An ideal student from a wealthy family, facing perpetual struggles
between her mother's expectations and social media pressures.
Tara Atallah
(Nadeen): Unperturbed by opinions, Nadeen exudes confidence while navigating
the delicate balance between social media and reality, facing bullying.
Kira Yaghnam
(Hiba): Wrestling with jealousy and home issues, Hiba adopts a bully persona to
conceal vulnerabilities at school.
Talia
Al-Ansari (Shams): Intelligent and kind, Shams navigates situations astutely,
adding a unique dimension with her fascination for technology and photography.
Raneem Hitham
(Farah): A gossip spreader facing unwelcome situations, Farah's narrative takes
a poignant turn, culminating in a sad ending due to bullying.
Impact of
social mediaThe season
unravels social media's power, driving obsession, envy, and cyberbullying,
causing characters to grapple with anxiety and depression in their pursuit of a
flawless image. It vividly depicts the dangers of social media obsession,
revealing how the constant quest for online validation distorts self-perception
and negatively impacts self-esteem. The series challenges viewers to question
the true value of online popularity, encouraging a healthier relationship with
technology.
"AlRawabi
School for Girls" is a crucial wake-up call for educators, parents, and
academics, urging open conversations about online safety, mental health, and
responsible social media use. It highlights the delicate balance between
control and autonomy in guiding children through the digital age, emphasizing
the need for open communication. The show fearlessly portrays the devastating
effects of cyberbullying and blackmail, shedding light on the real-world
consequences of virtual actions, adding a poignant layer to the narrative.
The Jordanian
production "AlRawabi Two," showcased on the global platform Netflix,
stands as a testament to the rich talents and storytelling prowess within the
Jordanian film industry. Crafted by a team of highly qualified and skilled
narrative women, including creators Shomali and Kamal, the series not only
captivates audiences worldwide but also highlights the significant impact and
influence of Jordanian storytellers on the global stage.
This success emphasizes the diverse narratives
and unique perspectives that Jordanian women bring to the forefront of the
entertainment industry, breaking barriers and proving the strength of their
creative voices. The team's dedication and proficiency in portraying compelling
stories have contributed not only to the recognition of Jordanian talent but
also to the broader acknowledgment of the power of narratives from the Middle
East on an international scale.