In the mountains of Aseer, some men still wear crowns of fresh flowers and fragrant herbs. The Flower Men of Aseer are one of the most striking traditions in the Kingdom. We filmed them in Rijal Almaa for Aperture, our documentary with British photographer Richard Wilding (watch the trailer). This is how it came together.
Each garland uses what grows around the villages: marigolds, jasmine, basil and wild herbs. Men tie them into a band and wear them around the head. They have done so for generations, for the scent, for celebrations and, as the elders say, to ease headaches and keep cool in the heat.
The Flower Men of Aseer come from the tribes of the Aseer highlands and the Tihama plains below. You are most likely to see the tradition in villages around Rijal Almaa and Abha. Look for it at weekly markets, weddings and festivals too.
Filming a tradition like this is about people first. We work with a local contact, explain the project and always ask before we film anyone. In Rijal Almaa, for example, we filmed Hedish, a flower man known locally as the Flute Man. Taking time to talk before the camera rolls makes all the difference.
Aseer sits high, with Abha at over 2,000 metres. As a result, summer is cool and green while much of the Kingdom bakes. However, mist and rain can roll in quickly in the afternoons, so plan exteriors for the morning. You need a filming permit, and drones need their own permit. Read more in our post on filming in Rijal Almaa.
“Ask first, take your time, and the story comes to you.”
Stock Stop
Documentary filming is one of the ways Stock Stop supports productions across Saudi Arabia, from research to crew and kit. With offices in London and Riyadh, we can support your own crew or run the whole shoot. If you are planning a shoot in Aseer, we would be glad to talk.
