How resumption of movie screening provided a global platform for local Saudi talent

Special How resumption of movie screening provided a global platform for local Saudi talent
Walaa Bahefzallah (R), casting director of Saudi film Champions, alongside the cast at the 2021 Red Sea Film Festival, including Fatima Albanawi (C). (Supplied)
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Updated 27 April 2024
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How resumption of movie screening provided a global platform for local Saudi talent

How resumption of movie screening provided a global platform for local Saudi talent
  • Since cinemas reopened six years ago across the Kingdom, cumulative box office revenues are approaching the $1 billion mark
  • The Red Sea Film Foundation and the Saudi Film Fund support homegrown talent through programs and partnerships

RIYADH: This month, Saudi Arabia marks six years of movie screenings after a 35-year gap. Back then, the idea of a flourishing domestic film industry seemed improbable. Today, it has become a reality.

Since cinemas reopened on April 18, 2018, multiplexes have prospered, with accumulative box office revenues hitting almost $1 billion. Even the closures of the pandemic years were not enough to halt the industry’s meteoric rise.

Cities across the Kingdom now boast their own world-class movie theaters, screening the latest international blockbusters, regional hits and domestic productions, while homegrown film-making capability is now routinely spotlighted at local film festivals.




Saudis gather at a cinema theatre in Riyadh on April 30, 2018. (AFP)

With the launch of the Red Sea Film Festival in December 2021 and the establishment in 2020 of the Saudi Film Commission under the Ministry of Culture, many Saudis who were working in production houses overseas are now relocating to the Kingdom.

“The year 2018 marked a significant turning point for Saudi filmmakers and audiences as well,” Saudi film producer Mohammed Al-Turki, who was named CEO of the Red Sea Film Festival in 2022, told Arab News.

“The Saudi box office is growing rapidly. These achievements reflect the filmmakers’ passion for crafting captivating stories that are deeply embedded in our culture and resonate with an engaged local audience.”




The launch of the Red Sea Film Festival in 2021 prompted many Saudis who were working in production houses overseas to relocate to the Kingdom. (Red Sea Film Festival)

Saudi filmmakers are making their mark both locally and internationally. Among them are Tawfiq Al-Zaidi, the Qudus brothers, Ali Al-Kalthami, and Mishal Al-Jasser, said Al-Turki. “All tirelessly striving to deliver their finest work.”

The Red Sea Film Foundation, which was created in 2019 after the cinema ban was lifted, has become a catalyst for the industry’s expansion, staging one of the Middle East’s biggest film festivals in partnership with other major gatherings in the world cinema calendar.

RSFF has developed a variety of programs and initiatives specifically tailored to filmmakers from the Arab world, Africa, and Asia, with a special focus on Saudi filmmakers.

“Our programs include the Red Sea Fund, which offers financial support to film projects at various stages from development through to post-production,” said Al-Turki. “The Red Sea Labs provide a range of training workshops and courses for filmmakers.”




Winners and jury members posing on stage at the end of the second RSFF’s awards ceremony on December 8, 2022. (AFP)

Additionally, the Red Sea Souk acts as a networking hub, providing numerous developmental programs.

“Among our recent successful initiatives is our collaboration with the Series Mania festival, which has enabled several promising Saudi filmmakers to advance their television projects and gain exposure at one of the world’s foremost television festivals,” said Al-Turki.

“We continue to launch many value-adding programs aimed at nurturing rising Saudi talent.”

INNUMBERS

• $1bn Cumulative box office revenues since Saudi cinemas reopened.

• $100m Saudi Film Fund created to stimulate domestic film industry.

The Kingdom has established several initiatives to support the industry. Most recently, a SR375 million ($100 million) Saudi Film Fund was unveiled by the government’s Cultural Development Fund in partnership with local investment firm MEFIC Capital and Roaa Media Ventures, a holding company that promotes local media projects and talent.

The fund will collaborate with major international studios to invest in film production that provides content reflecting Saudi culture and values.

Such government initiatives are also spurring the private sector. In 2023, Syed Ali launched 40Films KSA to work with local and international clients.




Ibraheem Alkhairallah on the set of Saudi film “Sattar,” where he portrayed the character of Abdulkhaleq, an undercover officer pretending to be a wrestling coach. (Supplied)

“This cinematic renaissance has made a positive impact on our business, fueling commitment to nurture more and meet the top standards being set daily in the market,” Ali, a Pakistani businessman based in Riyadh, told Arab News.

“The Kingdom is not just a consumer of global cinema; it is a creator, contributing its unique voice to the rich tapestry of world cinema. Saudi filmmakers are narrating stories that captivate audiences both at home and around the globe.” 

Saudi filmmaker Mujtaba Saeed, who is based between the Kingdom and Germany, says he has also benefited from the boom in the Saudi entertainment industry and will begin working on a film to be shot in the Eastern Province at the end of this year.

The film, titled “Drowning,” will be funded by the Red Sea Film Festival, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, and the Saudi Film Commission. “Without this support I would not have been able to shoot the film,” Saeed told Arab News.

“The great developments in the Saudi film industry have greatly contributed to the growth of my work as a young director. Through increased opportunities for collaboration and greater support I have access to resources and support that were previously unavailable to me.”




Two young Saudi film directors have been presented with trophies after winning the second edition of a 48-hour filmmaking challenge. (AN Photo/Ali Khameq)

During the Cannes Film Festival in 2022, the Saudi Film Commission announced an incentive program aimed at transforming the Kingdom into a global hub for film production. This included 40 percent returns for productions that hired local crews, among other initiatives.

The incentive program was announced a few months after the RSFF established the Red Sea Fund to support Arab and African filmmakers and directors. The $10 million fund has backed more than 250 projects since its launch.

It is through schemes such as these that the RSFF aims to foster “cultural connections,” providing a platform for up-and-coming film talent in the Kingdom, said Al-Turki.

The Saudi Film Commission is responsible for numerous initiatives that have helped bolster the Saudi industry at home and abroad by providing young Saudi filmmakers with opportunities.

One example is “Norah,” a Saudi production that will be screened at the 77th Cannes Film Festival this year in its “Un Certain Regard” section. It will be the first time a Saudi movie has been selected for the prestigious festival.

Produced by Saudi Tawfik Alzaidi, “Norah” is the first Saudi movie shot entirely in the AlUla region.




Poster of Saudi movie “Norah.” (Supplied)

Supported by the Red Sea Fund, the film also clinched the top prize of a funding award from the Saudi Film Commission’s Daou Competition — an initiative launched by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Culture in September 2019 to bolster Saudi film production and nurture the country’s next generation of filmmakers.

Set in Saudi Arabia during the 1990s, the film follows Norah, a young Saudi woman who lives in a small village, who is introduced to Nader, an artist. Norah asks him to paint her portrait and soon an artistic relationship develops between them. 

The film, Alzaidi’s debut feature, explores the period of Saudi conservatism and the various forms of art that were banned. It examines how art can facilitate communication between people and foster social change.

In the run-up to the sixth anniversary of the lifting of the cinema ban, the Saudi Film Commission organized the fourth edition of the Gulf Cinema Festival, which ran from April 14 to 18.

This was the first time the festival was managed by a government agency, underlining the recognition of the socio-cultural and economic importance of the film industry for the Kingdom.




The Gulf Cinema Festival brought together several pioneers of Gulf cinema to share their visions and experiences in film production. (Supplied)

In a speech during the opening of the festival, the Film Commission’s CEO Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Qahtani said “this edition of the festival represents a crucial milestone in cultural cooperation among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and embodies our wise leadership’s commitment to enhancing collaboration among us,” according to SPA.

“This festival, which brings us together today, reflects the strong connection between ambition and the cultural strategy of the GCC countries, which play a significant role in enhancing cultural exchange, expanding infrastructure, drawing inspiration from successful experiences, and encouraging Gulf talents to offer more,” he said.

The booming Saudi entertainment industry is also attracting directors from across the world to shoot and produce films in the Kingdom.

Over the last 18 months, the landscapes of NEOM in the Tabuk region have been featured in several international films, including Ruper Wyatt’s “Desert Warrior,” starring Anthony Mackie and Sir Ben Kingsley; “Dunki” directed by Indian filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani starring Shahrukh Khan; the first regional reality TV show “Million Dollar Island;” and the “Rise of the Witches,” the region’s largest-ever budget TV show. 

As deals continue to be made and incentives offered for making movies in Saudi Arabia, the future looks bright not only for domestic movie theaters but also for local, regional and international filmmakers and producers intending to work and collaborate in the Kingdom.

“Despite these accomplishments, this is merely the start,” said Al-Turki. “Saudi cinema has much more to accomplish.”


The 11th Saudi Film Festival returns in April

The 11th Saudi Film Festival returns in April
Updated 14 February 2025
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The 11th Saudi Film Festival returns in April

The 11th Saudi Film Festival returns in April
  • Theme for 2025 edition is “Cinema of Identity,” exploring how film reflects and shapes individual, national and cultural identity

DHAHRAN: The 11th Saudi Film Festival will take place from April 17 to 24 at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, also known as Ithra, in Dhahran.

Organized by the Cinema Association, in partnership with Ithra and supported by the Film Commission of the Ministry of Culture, this year’s festival includes screenings, educational events and networking opportunities.

The theme for this edition is “Cinema of Identity,” exploring how film reflects and shapes individual, national and cultural identity.

The program will feature a mix of local and international films, with a particular focus on how these works navigate the complexities of identity in a globalized world.

The films selected for this program will examine how identity is influenced by heritage, cities and personal experiences, and highlight the challenges and transformations that individuals and societies undergo in response to these influences.

This year’s festival will honor Ibrahim Al-Hasawi, one of Saudi Arabia’s most renowned actors, whose legacy spans over three decades.

Al-Hasawi has been an influential figure in Saudi entertainment, contributing to numerous theatrical productions, TV shows like “Tash Ma Tash” and “Bayni Wa Baynak,” and films such as “Hajjan,” “Zero Distance,” and the recent “Hobal.”

The festival will celebrate his immense contributions to the arts and his significant role in shaping Saudi cinema.

In addition to the spotlight on Saudi cinema, the 11th Saudi Film Festival will feature a special program focused on Japanese cinema.

This segment will showcase a selection of independent Japanese films, offering audiences a chance to experience Japan’s unique cinematic traditions and cultural identity.

The Japanese program will further enhance the festival’s mission to foster cross-cultural dialogue and broaden the perspectives of Saudi audiences.

Throughout the festival, attendees will have the chance to immerse themselves in a wide range of activities beyond just screenings.

There will be panel discussions with industry experts, offering insights into the future of Saudi cinema and the evolving role of identity in filmmaking.

Masterclasses will be conducted by seasoned filmmakers and industry professionals, covering key aspects of the filmmaking process such as directing, cinematography and scriptwriting.

The festival will also provide opportunities for one-on-one meetings with experts, where filmmakers can receive personalized feedback and advice on their projects.

For those looking to take their work further, private pitching sessions will be available, giving filmmakers the chance to present their ideas to potential investors and distributors.

Additionally, book signings will give audiences the chance to meet authors and filmmakers who have contributed to the festival, deepening their understanding of the creative processes behind the films.

Tickets can be purchased on the Ithra website.


Jeddah celebrates global culinary extravaganza at Food Culture Festival

Organized by the Culinary Arts Commission in partnership with the Quality of Life Program. (Supplied)
Organized by the Culinary Arts Commission in partnership with the Quality of Life Program. (Supplied)
Updated 14 February 2025
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Jeddah celebrates global culinary extravaganza at Food Culture Festival

Organized by the Culinary Arts Commission in partnership with the Quality of Life Program. (Supplied)
  • Festival heads west after successful events in Alkhobar and Riyadh
  • Workshops, musical performances, and global cuisine on offer

JEDDAH: After successful events in Alkhobar and Riyadh, the much-anticipated Food Culture Festival is taking place at Jeddah’s Wonder District from Feb. 12 to 16.

Organized by the Culinary Arts Commission in partnership with the Quality of Life Program, the event showcases a rich blend of local and international culinary experiences.

The festival in Jeddah features four zones, each offering a different aspect of the culinary world.

Organized by the Culinary Arts Commission in partnership with the Quality of Life Program. (Supplied)

In the food exhibitors’ area, attendees can savor various cuisines, from traditional Saudi dishes to international delicacies, allowing them to embark on a gastronomic journey around the world without leaving the city.

Leo Wen, CEO and co-founder of Whoa Tea, which offers authentic Chinese drinks and sweets like Tang Hu Lu (candied fruit snack) and coconut cubes, said: “It’s exciting to introduce these unique flavors through this festival, and the response has been overwhelming.

“Our goal is not only to provide a delicious experience but also to share the rich heritage behind these drinks and desserts, showcasing the diversity of Chinese culinary traditions.”

FASTFACTS

• The festival in Jeddah features four zones, each offering a different aspect of the culinary world.

• In the food exhibitors’ area, attendees can savor various cuisines, from traditional Saudi dishes to international delicacies, allowing them to embark on a gastronomic journey around the world without leaving the city.

• The festival’s theater area features live performances, from guitar and vocal acts to Arabic music bands.

Noura Abdullah, founder of Soma, a Saudi brand known for its signature grape leaves, as well as dishes like grape leaves fatteh, musakhan, kibbeh, and fresh juices made from carefully selected ingredients, said: “Everything we serve is homemade, with our signature dish, the grape leaves, being particularly popular.

“I started in Alkhobar, then expanded to Riyadh, and now, by participating in this festival in Jeddah, I’m exploring the possibility of franchising Soma.

“The positive feedback from visitors has been incredible, especially (for) the grape leaves. Their response has been very encouraging and motivates me to bring Soma to even more people.”

Ahmed Imran, owner of My Makan, the only Malaysian restaurant in Jeddah, told Arab News: “Festivals like this bring together diverse cultures, and food is the perfect medium to unite people from all walks of life.

“It’s truly amazing to see such a celebration of global cuisines, and I’m excited to introduce authentic Malaysian dishes to the visitors. It’s also heartwarming to witness the positive response from the community towards Malaysian cuisine.”

The festival also welcomes food truck owners, offering them an opportunity to showcase their food and attract new customers.

Al-Baraa Yahy, who owns Protein Dose, a food truck based in Al-Safa district, said the festival has given her the opportunity to introduce her products to a wider audience.

“I’m grateful for the chance to showcase my offerings through such a fantastic platform,” she said.

For those eager to enhance their culinary skills, the workshops area offers hands-on experiences with activities such as sushi making, food decoration, pasta crafting, and even food photography, with a special focus on the flavors of Singapore.

Live cooking demonstrations will also allow guests to witness the magic of food preparation firsthand.

Sadellah Zakaria, an Italian chef, and Mokhtar Mahdy, an Egyptian chef, teach festivalgoers how to make pasta like fettuccine and ravioli from scratch with their workshop.

“These workshops are a great way for attendees to not only learn valuable culinary skills but also connect with the craft of making fresh pasta. Even children can join and enjoy this immersive experience,” Zakaria said.

The festival’s theater area features live performances, from guitar and vocal acts to Arabic music bands and Indian Bharatanatyam dancers.

Additionally, roaming performances like living statues, an interactive parade, and a Chinese dragon dance add to the event’s festive atmosphere.

The kids’ area offers a chance for children to get involved in cooking workshops and farm activities, participate in friendly competitions, and unleash their creativity in a safe and educational environment.

Mohammed Hussein, who came along with his family said: “It’s great that the workshops let kids get involved and try things out for themselves. Plus, the festival has this cool passport challenge where you get a stamp every time you visit a different zone.”

Ghadeer Abdullah, a visitor from Makkah, said: “The best part of the festival is definitely the weather. It’s so pleasant that we’re enjoying all the zones. The kids’ zone is especially engaging. My children spent almost an hour completing the workshop, and they loved every minute of it.”

 


Focus on creating books for young readers at Jazan Book Fair

Focus on creating books for young readers at Jazan Book Fair
Updated 14 February 2025
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Focus on creating books for young readers at Jazan Book Fair

Focus on creating books for young readers at Jazan Book Fair
  • The aim of the workshop was to introduce the concept of short stories for young adults, what attracts them, and how their needs vary based on their age

JAZAN: The cultural program accompanying activities at Jazan Book Fair 2025, organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, featured a special workshop titled “Writing Short Stories for Young Adults,” presented by Noura Abiri.

The aim of the workshop was to introduce the concept of short stories for young adults, what attracts them, and how their needs vary based on their age, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The workshop explored methods for writing short stories for young adults, emphasizing the need for an engaging and fluid style that balances simplicity with depth, and touches on topics close to their interests, such as selecting an appealing and impactful idea relevant to youth, including themes such as friendship, courage, achieving dreams, self-acceptance, adventures, science fiction, or even social issues such as bullying or academic pressure.

It also highlighted the importance of creating a protagonist close to the reader’s world in age or experience.

The Jazan Book Fair 2025 is at the Prince Sultan Cultural Center until Feb. 17 and provides a rich cultural program featuring poetry evenings and literary discussions.

 


Saudi Arabia launches first recycling program for pilgrim garments

The scheme is a move toward sustainable religious practices and marks a new approach to handling pilgrim garments. (SPA)
The scheme is a move toward sustainable religious practices and marks a new approach to handling pilgrim garments. (SPA)
Updated 14 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia launches first recycling program for pilgrim garments

The scheme is a move toward sustainable religious practices and marks a new approach to handling pilgrim garments. (SPA)
  • The project is a partnership with the Saudi Investment Recycling Co., a leading waste management and circular economy company, and Tadweem, a pioneer in sustainable fashion

JEDDAH: The Saudi Fashion Commission launched its innovative “Sustainable Ihram” initiative at the Islamic Arts Biennale on Friday.

The scheme is a move toward sustainable religious practices and marks a new approach to handling pilgrim garments. It aims to transform discarded Ihram clothing into new, sustainable items by collecting and sorting textile waste from Hajj pilgrims.

The project is a partnership with the Saudi Investment Recycling Co., a leading waste management and circular economy company, and Tadweem, a pioneer in sustainable fashion.

Technical support comes from textile specialist Sanko Group, working in conjunction with Re&Up, which will provide innovative recycling technology to process the garments.

 


Attempt to smuggle unlicensed medical pills thwarted in Asir

Saudi border guards in Asir arrested an Ethiopian national for violating border security regulations. (SPA)
Saudi border guards in Asir arrested an Ethiopian national for violating border security regulations. (SPA)
Updated 14 February 2025
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Attempt to smuggle unlicensed medical pills thwarted in Asir

Saudi border guards in Asir arrested an Ethiopian national for violating border security regulations. (SPA)
  • Authorities in Jeddah have arrested a citizen for trafficking hashish and unlicensed medical pills

ABHA: Saudi Border Guard land patrols in the Al-Rabou’a sector of the Asir region have arrested an Ethiopian national for violating border security regulations by smuggling 49,350 unlicensed medical pills. Legal procedures have been initiated, and both the suspect and the seized contraband handed over to the relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, authorities in Jeddah have arrested a citizen for trafficking hashish and unlicensed medical pills. Legal procedures were again initiated, and the suspect referred to the competent authorities.

Security agencies have called on the public to report any information concerning drug smuggling or promotion by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions. Members of the public can also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control on 995 or by emailing [email protected].