According to Salim, the event would be different from any other international film festival, as the festival would be aired on a TV channel to make it accessible for a large portion of the society.

The project, he said, was a national, cultural, and intellectual one that aimed at discovering talents in the Kingdom in order to provide them with support and finance. The committee that organizes the festival has started to receive applications from candidates hoping to participate in the event. Approved films can participate in one of four categories: Long films, short films, documentaries, and cartoon films.

Both Saudis and expatriates can submit their films at dates no later than Dec. 10, 2011.

The best films will receive awards and prize money. Actors from the Kingdom and other Arab countries will attend the closing ceremony during which winning filmmakers will be awarded.

Salim said that filmmakers wishing to participate need to provide high-quality films that preferably have English subtitles. Filmmakers also need to hand in a copy of their ID card, CV, personal photos, and three copies of their films. For applications, filmmakers can visit the website www.rowadmedia.com.sa.

The first Saudi film festival was initiated in 2006 under the name Jeddah Film Festival. However, it was stopped later. With this new initiative, the organizers hope to support the film-making industry in the Kingdom.