Hayder Mahdi Dawood (born January 4, 1994) is a Saudi filmmaker whose cinematic journey is a testament to his dedication to capturing and documenting local narratives that are deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Saudi culture.

In 2018, Hayder's artistic trajectory leaped when he moved to Sweden to pursue his graduate studies practically in innovation management. The transformative period of living abroad introduced a new depth to his work, infusing themes of home, nostalgia, and cultural identity. 

His exposure to international film circuits, particularly through collaborations with the Uppsala and Stockholm International Film Festivals, enriched his narrative techniques, steering him towards exploring non-fiction and non-linear storytelling.

Hayder's cinematic voice found its first echo in the Saudi film scene with COLOR OF SUNSET — a film that was screened at the 2020 Red Sea Film Festival in Tajreeb section.