Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Fest announces projects selected for its development program  

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Fest announces projects selected for its development program  
Mohammed Al-Turki (L) is the CEO of Red Sea International Film Festival. (Getty Images/ Instagram)
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Updated 14 March 2023

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Fest announces projects selected for its development program  

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Fest announces projects selected for its development program  

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival this week announced the Saudi, Arab and African projects selected for the fourth edition of Red Sea Lodge, the festival’s development program in collaboration with TorinoFilmLab and sponsored by the Film AlUla film commission. 

According to a released statement, budding filmmakers will get the chance to receive mentorship from industry professionals as part of the creative training program.  

Winners will take home a portion of the total $200,000 in prizes that will be awarded during the festival’s 2023 edition in December.  

The selected projects from Saudi Arabia include director Ghadeer Binabbas’s “How To Not Get Married In Saudi Arabia,” Director Lina Mahmoud’s “Sukun,” Mujtaba Saeed’s “Mecca Berlin,” Amaal Yousef’s “By Hasnaa’s Side” and Sarah Mohammed Almuneef’s “Lost Soul.” 

The projects from the Arab region include Mohamed Kassaby’s “An Endless Night,” Samer Battikhi’s “To Each Their Own,” Wessam Hachicho’s “Temporary Lives,” Wissam Tanios’s “The Sun Has Seen Everything” and Fatma Riahi’s “My Father Killed Bourguiba,” while the African projects are Naishe Nyamubaya’s “Black Snake” and Vincho Nchogu’s “Fantastic Tale.”  


Diriyah Company collaborates with Saudi fashion label Ramzen

Diriyah Company has partnered with fashion house Ramzen. (Supplied)
Diriyah Company has partnered with fashion house Ramzen. (Supplied)
Updated 42 min 46 sec ago

Diriyah Company collaborates with Saudi fashion label Ramzen

Diriyah Company has partnered with fashion house Ramzen. (Supplied)
  • Saudi fashion house Ramzen will create and present a collection of exclusive evening wear for men and women inspired by Diriyah
  • Jerry Inzerillo: This symbolizes our dedication to showcasing the multifaceted cultural heritage of the Kingdom, while also fostering the growth of the fashion industry in Diriyah

RIYADH: With an aim to promote local talent and foster creativity in Saudi Arabia, the Diriyah Company has announced a partnership with renowned international Saudi designer Abdulrahman Al-Romaizan, the founder of Ramzen.

Through this alliance, Saudi fashion house Ramzen will create and present a collection of exclusive evening wear for men and women inspired by Diriyah, The City of Earth.

Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company said that he was delighted to team up with Ramzen and its talented founder, whose unique vision aligns with their commitment to nurturing Saudi Arabia’s creative landscape.

“This symbolizes our dedication to showcasing the multifaceted cultural heritage of the Kingdom, while also fostering the growth of the fashion industry in Diriyah," he added.

Ready-to-wear fashions, inspired by the pieces presented, will be available as a capsule collection following the show.

Al-Romaizan, who is acclaimed for pushing the boundaries of Saudi fashion, said that working with Diriyah Company would help him showcase designs in a city with such historical significance while also embracing modernity and innovation.

“Together, we aim to celebrate the intersection of tradition and contemporary fashion, leaving an indelible mark on Saudi Arabia's cultural tapestry," he said.

Saudi Arabia’s fashion sector is growing and this partnership will strengthen the country's position as a fashion hub. Through the art and fashion show at the beginning of October, both look forward to captivating audiences with a breathtaking display of creativity and elegance.

Diriyah has a rich cultural heritage that intertwines with innovation and modernity. The city has been associated with the first Saudi state and was founded in 1727 by Imam Muhammad bin Saud, who made it his initial power base, the first capital of government and a scientific and social center.


Arab singers perform at free concert ahead of royal Jordanian wedding

Arab singers perform at free concert ahead of royal Jordanian wedding
Updated 30 May 2023

Arab singers perform at free concert ahead of royal Jordanian wedding

Arab singers perform at free concert ahead of royal Jordanian wedding

DUBAI: Popular singers from the Arab world took to the stage on Monday night at the Amman International Stadium in Jordan ahead of the highly anticipated royal wedding of Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II and Saudi Arabian citizen Rajwa Al-Saif, set to take place on Thursday.

Among the performers were Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama, Jordanian singers Diana Karazon and Zain Awad, Egyptian singer Ahmed Saad and Egyptian singer and actor Tamer Hosny.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Tamer Hosny (@tamerhosny)

Midway through his set, Hosny took his performance offstage and walked while singing towards the stands. With call and response, he encouraged the crowd to sing along. “For his excellency the beloved crown prince let’s hear a huge round of applause,” Hosny said while surrounded by a roving entourage in the stadium.

“It is an honor to open this legendary celebration with the precious people of Jordan on the occasion of the wedding of His Highness Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, Crown Prince of Jordan and Miss Rachouh Al-Saif,” Hosny posted on Instagram after the show.

“I am happy and very proud that a day has come where I can play a part, even a small part, in placing the Egyptian flag, with love (in union), with a great nation such as Jordan, as a symbol of love between two countries for a great official occasion such as this.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ragheb Alama (@raghebalama)

Alama also shared a post on his Instagram, dedicating a song to the young couple.

“From my heart, I dedicate this song to the honourable royal Hashemite family and to the beloved Jordanian and Saudi people,” he wrote. “And wishing the joys in your homes to continue to flourish.”

It was revealed earlier this month that the religious ceremony of the June 1 wedding will take place at Zahran Palace in Amman, while the reception, to be attended by international heads of state and the Jordanian royal family, will be held at Al-Husseiniya Palace.


Jessica Kahawaty, Yusra Mardini attend fashion show in Italy

Jessica Kahawaty, Yusra Mardini attend fashion show in Italy
Updated 30 May 2023

Jessica Kahawaty, Yusra Mardini attend fashion show in Italy

Jessica Kahawaty, Yusra Mardini attend fashion show in Italy
  • Italian and German firms launch collection in Portofino
  • Colorful dresses, blouses, bandanas, scarves showcased

DUBAI: Australian Lebanese model Jessica Kahawaty and Syrian Olympic swimmer Yusra Mardini met up in Italy this week for an event showcasing a collaboration between Italian luxury label Dolce & Gabbana and German e-commerce luxury fashion company Mytheresa.

The two brands launched a new collection in Portofino. “The collection is a tribute to a long-standing love and adoration for the town’s exquisitely vivid colors and heart-stopping landscapes. The perfect backdrop to experience the Italian atmosphere,” Mytheresa said in a YouTube video of the event, held under the patronage of the town’s municipality.

The new colorful designs, that pay homage to the Italian Riviera, were unveiled in the town’s Piazzetta and guests, including Kahawaty and Mardini, were invited to a private dinner with views of the scenic harbor.

The collection features patterned dresses, colorful blouses, printed sets, striped bandanas and more.

“Yesterday, I lived my wildest Italian dream. I’m speechless at the spectacle that was created in the heart of Portofino. It felt like family came together to celebrate. Thank you @dolcegabbana and @mytheresa.com for having me in Portofino with you,” Kahawaty wrote on Instagram sharing videos and pictures from the event.

Mardini shared a series of pictures that included of her in a black sequined dress and printed scarf, a set of venue shots and a cheerful photograph with Kahawaty.

“Thank you for a special night,” she captioned her post in Italian.

Kahawaty has been enjoying her time in Italy. Last week, the actress and humanitarian attended French luxury label Louis Vuitton’s cruise show on the Italian island Isola Bella. She wore a green embroidered mini dress to the event.

She told her 1.3 million fans on Instagram that 2023 marks her 10th year working with the brand.

Meanwhile, in April, Mardini made TIME’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in the world.

She and her sister Sarah’s journey as war refugees, swimming for three hours to the Greek island of Lesbos, to becoming Olympic athletes has been chronicled in the BAFTA-nominated film “The Swimmers.”


Cultural Skills Competition winners honored by Saudi ministers

Cultural Skills Competition winners honored by Saudi ministers
Updated 29 May 2023

Cultural Skills Competition winners honored by Saudi ministers

Cultural Skills Competition winners honored by Saudi ministers
  • Education minister lauds Saudi leadership’s belief in building human capabilities
  • Competition was held with the aim of discovering creative students in various cultural fields

MAKKAH: Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud and Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan recently presented awards to the winners of the Cultural Skills Competition for school students.

The ceremony, that honored victors in the contest’s six categories, was held at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, on Sunday.

The national competition, the first of its kind in the Kingdom, was launched by the two ministries, and included male and female students from primary grades four, five, and six, and secondary and intermediary stages.

Congratulating winners in the heritage, theater, music, visual arts, literature, and film classes, Al-Benyan said that the competition’s cultural courses aimed to encourage creativity and enterprise among school students.

And he praised the renaissance and successes witnessed through Saudi Vision 2030, attributing them to the country’s leaders, “who believe in the importance of building human capabilities, and harnessing all capabilities and resources to prepare future generations.”

Speaking on behalf of Prince Badr, Deputy Minister of Culture Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez said: “Thanks to the support of King Salman, and the empowerment by our inspiring role model Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, we stand today to witness outputs that deserve celebration and appreciation, which are the fruit of joint national efforts aiming at discovering talents that will take our culture and creativity to promising horizons in the near future.”

During the awards ceremony, a video presentation showed the journey of the students during different stages of the competition, which attracted more than 247,000 participants.

The winners of the six categories each received SR100,000 ($27,000), while the second- and third-place winners got SR75,000 and SR50,000, respectively.

The competition was held with the aim of discovering creative students in various cultural fields, empowering them, and developing their skills.

Its six categories take in visual arts, such as plastic and digital arts, Arabic calligraphy, literature including manga and short stories, heritage taking in traditional and folk performing arts, music and singing, short films, and theater.


Mika Kobayashi makes Kingdom concert debut in Jeddah

Mika Kobayashi makes Kingdom concert debut in Jeddah
Updated 29 May 2023

Mika Kobayashi makes Kingdom concert debut in Jeddah

Mika Kobayashi makes Kingdom concert debut in Jeddah
  • Mika Kobayashi: The audiences were truly captivating and engaging from the beginning
  • Kobayashi: It was amazing to see that my songs transcended language and so many people knew me and listened

JEDDAH: Japanese singer Mika Kobayashi played Saudi Arabia for the first time with two concerts in Jeddah on Friday and Saturday.

The singer mesmerized the audience with a power-packed performance of famous tracks from “Attack on Titan,” “Gundam UC,” and “Aldnoah Zero” at City Walk’s Anime Village.

Kobayashi told Arab News that Saudi Arabia had provided her with a totally different experience from other venues at which she has played.

She said: “The audiences were truly captivating and engaging from the beginning. It was amazing to see that my songs transcended language and so many people knew me and listened.”

Despite the hot conditions, Kobayashi felt the vibes were cool as the audience’s reaction kept her comfortable throughout.

She is now keen to learn more about her fans in Saudi Arabia and looks forward to future opportunities in the Kingdom.

She added: “I didn’t have much of an impression before of Saudi Arabia, but visiting this country was truly memorable and changed my perspective.

“The people are so friendly and welcoming. That’s one of the reasons I want to come back and perform again.”

Vocalist Kobayashi has worked with Hiroyuki Sawano since 2010. She first collaborated on the album “Massugu na Otoko,” providing vocals for the song “Illusion.”

She features on “Final Fantasy,” “Blue Exorcist,” and various other solo projects. Her signature singing style owes much to classical music, but her talent is distinguished by the power she displays while performing songs of battle and conflict.

Hamza Mohammed, 25, who attended one of her shows, said: “The audience was provided with a real treat. We chanted the famous lines of the songs with Mika Kobayashi.

“The love for anime in the Kingdom has increased, and such concerts just bring so much to fans like us who can listen to our favorite songs and engage with the singers.”

Muzn Alhind, 29, said: “The Anime Village is the best zone in City Walk. I have attended three concerts so far and enjoyed all of them. Mika’s concert was one of the best as a debut performance. She sang fiercely and strongly while engaging with the audience.”