Dr. Merfat Alardawi is an Assistant Professor in Drama and Film Studies at the Faculty of Communication and Media at King Abdulaziz University, where she also serves as the Supervisor of the Communication Department. She received her PhD from Dublin City University, Ireland, in 2023 for her research examining [the impact of Turkish drama on Saudi women's attitudes and perception patterns]. In addition, Dr. Alardawi holds a Master of Arts in Communication and a Bachelor of Arts in Food and Nutrition, both from King Abdulaziz University. Dr. Alardawi's research interests are diverse, encompassing drama and film studies, content analysis, and audience studies, with a particular emphasis on the representation of women in media. Her scholarly work investigates the complexities of foreign dramas and employs innovative qualitative methods, including opinion mining and mixed-method content analysis, to understand cultural narratives and their impact on audiences.
Beyond her research, she has delivered numerous workshops covering topics such as screenplay writing, film criticism, podcast production. Her courses on serial dramas and critical cinema inspire budding filmmakers and writers to push boundaries and challenge conventions. Merfat is also the visionary behind the Student Film Festival at King Abdulaziz University, an initiative that cultivates a dynamic community of aspiring filmmakers and storytellers while promoting artistic expression and collaboration within media studies. With her expertise in adaptation and hybridity in screenwriting, she champions the representation of women in media, advocating for more nuanced portrayals in visual storytelling. Her commitment to bridging academia and practical application makes her a compelling figure in drama and film studies, driving a new generation of creatives to explore the power of storytelling.
She welcomes inquiries from prospective students interested in pursuing a Master's by Research or Ph.D. in a range of fields, including television, film, and radio studies; media, drama, and soap opera studies; audience studies; gender studies; comparative cultural studies; and cultural analysis. Her research encompasses both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including ethnographic approaches. Additional areas of focus include mass communication, the role of artificial intelligence in the film industry, and the study of podcasts.
| Journal | Role |
|---|---|
| Cogent Arts & Humanities - Taylor & Francis [Link] | Reviewer |
| Contemporary Islam - Springer Nature Nature Link [Link] | Reviewer |
| Print, Radio, TV & Film Studies - Human Nature Research Publisher [Link] | Editorial Board |
| Arab Journal of Media and Communication - King Saud University [Link] | Reviewer |