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Jafar Al-Jaroudi, a well-known Saudi tea maker, has taken on a new role as a movie star after being discovered while serving his drinks at the Saudi Film Festival. Al-Jaroudi grew up in a farming community in Jaroudiya village, in the Eastern Province’s Qatif governorate. He first discovered his talent for tea-making during a trip to Iraq in 2003, where he began mixing local herbs to produce his popular blends that include traditional black lemon, Iraqi-style red, and cinnamon teas. He also specializes in brewing Saudi coffee. After years serving his refreshments at events, including festivals and weddings, Al-Jaroudi was approached by a friend, Samar Albayat, to showcase his beverages at the third edition of the film festival in 2016.

Albayat described Al-Jaroudi as an exceptional man who treats everyone with love and happiness. “But he also makes the best tea and coffee. You can tell that every cup he makes is made with love. He puts his soul into his creations,” she said. Al-Jaroudi said that the first time he attended the film festival, he made sure to take along a good selection of refreshments including Saudi coffee with dates harvested specifically from their date tree.

While serving actors and guests at the eighth edition of the festival, Al-Jaroudi was complimented on his tea-making skills by Saudi writer and novelist Saad Al-Dossari, who suggested that a movie be made about Al-Jaroudi. The following year, The Night Maker premiered in Braira Al-Azizia Resort on the last day of the festival. Directed by Mohammed Al-Faraj, the film documents Al-Jaroudi’s story and includes his son, Khalil, as part of the cast.

“The Night Maker” shows the energy and atmosphere Al-Jaroudi brings to the festival, according to Al-Faraj. “What he does is so creative,” he said. “He is like an alchemist using sugar, tea, water, and fire. I felt like it would be nice to create a short film about it.”

For his contribution to the annual event, Al-Jaroudi received a Golden Palm Award from the festival team, which he treasures deeply as a reminder of his beautiful moments. Tea making for Al-Jaroudi is not simply a career but a way of life. He describes the headspace he enters as ethereal, and he feels a great sense of joy when he makes a kettle of tea. “When it comes to making tea, I stick to what I know and what is familiar in my culture. The one thing I can never waiver is simplicity. I use things that I love and am talented in brewing, which are herbal drinks from Qatifi culture,” he added.

Al-Jaroudi’s life story reminds us of the importance of passion, simplicity, and perseverance. His humble beginnings instilled in him the values that he lives by, which have led to his success and recognition today. His story is a reflection of the beauty of diversity and the power of culture to connect people from all walks of life. Al-Jaroudi’s passion for tea-making has given him a new chapter in life, but it is evident that his craft remains the core of his being, and he continues to create every cup of tea with love and integrity.