"It was a mere suggestion," said Suhaila Zain Al-Abedeen, an NHRA member. "However, the good news is that it was taken seriously," she said.

A public relations official with the Association said the group's publication wing hopes to educate Saudis and expatriates on their rights under Saudi law, something it has done in the past through lectures, pamphlets, brochures and advertisements.

Al-Abedeen said that this would be the first time NHRA would try to meet its goals with a film.

"Cultural officials with the Association have found that films are more effective and accepted by people," she said.

According to Al Abedeen, those films should have a powerful effect on people. So, the Association decided to use film and video to make the message more public, raising awareness of social and civil rights in Saudi society.

"We will produce five films discussing five important issues — domestic violence, dealing with expatriates (especially housemaids), children's rights, basic international human rights, and an overall message outlining civil and social rights," she said.

"The Association has sent those issues to a number of specialised companies and organisations in broadcasting and publication, and we gave them a deadline for their ideas," she said.

Al Abedeen added the Association hoped the films will increase popular awareness of women's rights, child and parental rights, as well as the basic social, Islamic, and cultural values, Al Abedeen added.