Saudi box office sells 8.5 million tickets in first half of 2024 with two Saudi films in top three

Saudi box office sells 8.5 million tickets in first half of 2024 with two Saudi films in top three
Saudi Arabia’s cinema scene has been booming since 2018. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 11 September 2024
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Saudi box office sells 8.5 million tickets in first half of 2024 with two Saudi films in top three

Saudi box office sells 8.5 million tickets in first half of 2024 with two Saudi films in top three

DUBAI: The burgeoning Saudi film industry is going from strength to strength.

On Tuesday, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al-Saud, Minister of Culture and Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla, took to X to reveal that the Saudi box office has made SAR 421.8 million ($112,410,096) in the first half of 2024, adding that two of the three leading films were Saudi-produced. He did not reveal the names of the two films.

“Saudi box office sales have reached 8.5 million tickets with revenues exceeding 421.8m SAR during the first half of 2024. Two of the best-selling films amongst the top 3 are Saudi #SaudiVision20230,” he wrote.

Saudi Arabia’s cinema scene has been booming since lifting its 35-year ban in 2018. With 66 theaters across 22 cities and box office sales reaching $919 million in 2023 (up 25% from 2022), the industry is growing at a rapid pace.

While Hollywood films like Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” and Tom Cruise-starring “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” have contributed to ticket sales, Saudi films have also been making a mark.

Saudi filmmaker Ali Kalthami’s Riyadh-based thriller “Mandoob” (“Night Courier”) has been a success since it was released at the beginning of 2024, soaring to the top of the Saudi box office following its screening at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah. The film tells the story of Fahad, who, after getting fired from a call centre, takes a job as a night courier who illegally sells alcohol in order to save his ailing father.

“Sattar,” the Saudi Arabian family comedy about a depressed man who follows his dreams of becoming a freestyle wrestling champion, smashed box office records last year, earning $2.2 million over its first 12 days, instantly making it the highest-grossing Saudi movie of all time, so far.

 


Fashion Trust Arabia finalist Jihane Boumediane on preserving Morocco’s ancient wool-felting craft

Fashion Trust Arabia finalist Jihane Boumediane on preserving Morocco’s ancient wool-felting craft
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Fashion Trust Arabia finalist Jihane Boumediane on preserving Morocco’s ancient wool-felting craft

Fashion Trust Arabia finalist Jihane Boumediane on preserving Morocco’s ancient wool-felting craft

DUBAI: Jihane Boumediane, the designer behind Moroccan brand Jyann, is garnering significant attention as a finalist for Qatar’s Fashion Trust Arabia Award in the accessories category, ahead of the ceremony in Marrakesh on Oct. 24.

Founded in 2021, her brand is known for its handcrafted bags and hats. It draws deeply on Morocco’s rich heritage of wool felting — a craft that dates back thousands of years and is integral to the country’s cultural identity.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by jYANN (@jyannofficial)

Wool felting, an ancient textile-production method, is a labor-intensive process that involves manually pressing together wool fibers using water and soap.

This technique has been passed down through generations of Moroccan artisans, particularly in the Atlas Mountains where Boumediane sources her wool.

“The wool from this region has so many wonderful properties — it’s resistant, the fibers are not too long or short. It checks all the boxes — sustainable, versatile and beautiful,” explained the designer.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by jYANN (@jyannofficial)

For Boumediane, fashion is not just about aesthetics, it is about preserving and elevating traditional crafts while creating a positive impact throughout the supply chain.

“Our approach is to create an impact on all levels — from the sheep raisers in the High Atlas to the artisans who meticulously craft each piece,” she said.

Her commitment to sustainability and ethical production can be seen in her sourcing of local materials and desire to optimize water usage in wool processing.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by jYANN (@jyannofficial)

Each of her handbags can take anywhere from five to seven days to create and transcend seasons — making them last for years.

The Fashion Trust Arabia Award is a significant milestone for Boumediane and her brand. “Being recognized by such a platform validates the years of research and experimentation we’ve put into our craft,” she said.

Winning this award would enable her to scale her operations, recruit and train new artisans, and further her mission of social innovation. “It’s not just about making beautiful products; it’s about safeguarding ancient techniques and ensuring they thrive in the modern world.”

The FTA 2024 Advisory Board selected 18 finalists from applications submitted by emerging talent from across the Middle East and North Africa region.

They are competing in six categories: ready-to-wear, eveningwear, jewelry, accessories, fashion tech, and for the Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award.

The board includes British celebrity-loved designer Erdem Moralioglu, jewelry designer Gaia Repossi and US designer Kelly Wearstler.

The winners will receive a financial grant of between $100,000 and $200,000, depending on the size of their business.


Jory Almaiman named brand ambassador by Spanish jewelry label

Jory Almaiman named brand ambassador by Spanish jewelry label
Updated 14 October 2024
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Jory Almaiman named brand ambassador by Spanish jewelry label

Jory Almaiman named brand ambassador by Spanish jewelry label

DUBAI: Spanish jewelry brand PDPAOLA has appointed Saudi influencer Jory Almaiman as a brand ambassador.

The announcement is being marked with the launch of a new campaign featuring the content creator, in which Almaiman shows off key pieces from the label’s Icons Collection.

The collection boasts customizable initials, symbols, and minimalist designs and it is crafted using natural gemstones arranged with handset pavé detailing.

With 110,000 followers on Instagram, Almaiman is often spotted at international fashion industry events and recently attended the Tory Burch show at New York Fashion Week in September.

Earlier this year, PDPAOLA, founded by siblings Paola and Humbert Sasplugas, expanded into Saudi Arabia with the opening of new stores in the Kingdom.

“We feel there is a natural fit with our value and selling proposition in this market,” Humbert previously told Arab News of their decision to target Saudi Arabia. “The key of PDPAOLA is that it constitutes a new jewelry language that blends effortless elegance with contemporary lines to create timeless sophisticated pieces,” he said.

“Our desire and plan is to naturally engage with Saudi women in a fresh yet respectful way,” he added. 

The brand offers rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. It is known for shaping natural gemstones into signature shapes using contemporary techniques and blending them with traditional artistry.

The element of traditional artistry is important to Paola, who told Arab News that she has been passionate about jewelry since she was a young girl.

“I used to hand-make jewelry pieces for myself, intuitively discovering my identity with every creation,” she said.

“Our pieces are designed for modern living, versatile designs with a comfortable fit that transcend occasions and become the ultimate symbol of self-empowerment,” she explained. 

The founders are also planning to expand into key markets in the region, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.


Celebrated art curator champions vision of climate action, public engagement at Lahore Biennale

Celebrated art curator champions vision of climate action, public engagement at Lahore Biennale
Updated 13 October 2024
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Celebrated art curator champions vision of climate action, public engagement at Lahore Biennale

Celebrated art curator champions vision of climate action, public engagement at Lahore Biennale
  • John Tain’s career has spanned several countries where he digitally archived art before arriving in Pakistan
  • He shunned ‘museums and elite spaces’ and used public places for art installations to attract wider audience

LAHORE: A widely acclaimed art curator has transformed the third edition of the Lahore Biennale into an artistic engagement with ecology and the environment, selecting historic public spaces across Lahore for art installations to attract a wider audience and spark conversations about sustainable living.
Originally from Hong Kong, John Tain’s career has spanned several countries, including the United States, Taiwan, and India, where he digitally archived art before taking over curatorial duties in Pakistan.
The Lahore Biennale Foundation has been working since 2014 to preserve the city’s rich legacy of arts and culture, a heritage that stretches back thousands of years. This year’s theme, “Of Mountains and Seas,” reflects the pressing concern of how the Global South is disproportionately affected by the climate crisis.
Pakistan itself has witnessed a series of catastrophic floods, heatwaves and droughts that have claimed countless lives, caused massive financial damage and raised concerns about food security.
This is despite the fact that the country contributes less than one percent of global carbon emissions, yet remains one of the most severely affected by the impacts of climate change.
“[This year’s event] looks at the themes of ecologies and sustainable futures, but not from the perspective of the problems that we’re all facing, but really from thinking about what are the possible solutions,” Tain said while speaking to Arab News on Friday.
“Specifically, what are the solutions that we can find in a place like Lahore, Pakistan, and thinking about what resources are available locally and in the indigenous culture,” he added.
The event, which kicked off on October 5, will culminate in a Climate Congress next month, featuring international scholars, academics and artists, coinciding with the notorious smog season in the city.
Tain maintained that Lahore was the ideal location to carry out the biennale since it had been significantly impacted by the worsening climate.
“Working with 61 artists who come from over 30 countries, it’s really not about importing answers and knowledge from elsewhere,” he said. “It’s really about looking together for resources and what we can do together to find solutions for sustainability.”
Pointing to the paintings lining the walls of the Shalimar Garden, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1641, he highlighted works on melting glaciers and fossil fuels by artists like Hamra Abbas and Niamat Nigar.
“Lahore Biennale as a project is not located in art museums or elite spaces,” he said. “We’re really in the city. So, here we are at Shalimar Gardens, where families are playing football and taking strolls.”
Tain mentioned that art installations had also been placed at other public locations, such as the Orange Line metro system, which people use daily.
“So, it’s really meant to bring art to the people, rather than make people come to the art,” he added.
Asked about the Climate Congress at the end of the biennale, he said a lot of research on the environment had been done by experts and researchers, though it had not been properly communicated to the general public.
“The biennale is trying to think about how art and exhibitions can be vehicles for communicating these kinds of messages,” he continued, suggesting that the Climate Congress would be a continuation of the same effort.
While it has only been a week since the biennale installations were opened to the public, Tain said he was happy with the response.
“I think there was a good attendance on both of the opening days [of the inauguration],” he said, encouraging people to attend the event, which is open until November 8.


Logina Salah says Miss Universe Egypt 2024 win is a step towards greater inclusivity

Logina Salah says Miss Universe Egypt 2024 win is a step towards greater inclusivity
Updated 13 October 2024
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Logina Salah says Miss Universe Egypt 2024 win is a step towards greater inclusivity

Logina Salah says Miss Universe Egypt 2024 win is a step towards greater inclusivity

DUBAI: Egyptian model Logina Salah was recently crowned Miss Universe Egypt 2024, a victory that she believes signifies progress toward greater inclusivity in the world.

The 34-year-old makeup artist, model, body positivity advocate and single mother — who faced childhood bullying due to her vitiligo, a skin condition — triumphed over 12 finalists to win the title at an event in Cairo.

“I feel like the world is getting closer to including everybody. It wasn’t allowed for moms to participate, or any woman above 30, and I didn’t like participating in ‘moms pageantry’; I do not like labeling,” Salah, who is based in Dubai, said of the rules that changed in 2023.

She added: “When those restrictions were lifted, I saw it as the perfect opportunity. Pageantry was always on my mind, but I always said, ‘let me keep it for my daughter, maybe she would be interested’. I used to dream about it, but now the dream came back to life. I applied, and, thank God, I made it to Miss Universe!”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Logina Salah (@loginasalah)

When Salah was announced as the winner, the first thought that crossed her mind was, “I want to have a crown that never falls.”

She said: “Being a queen is wonderful and fulfilling, but my ultimate purpose is to be the queen of hearts.”

Reflecting on her journey with vitiligo, Salah highlighted the power of living as an example. “I do not come every day and talk about vitiligo on my platform, but living my life fearlessly and unapologetically is a message to people,” she said.

“When someone comes across my profile and they see me living fearlessly, this is an inspiration. So, I do both. I like to go out and inspire, not only for people with vitiligo, but for all young girls and women.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Pao Caniamo (@paoocaniamo)

The model will now represent Egypt at the global Miss Universe competition, to be held in Mexico this year from Nov. 14-16. The competition will see contestants from more than 130 countries compete.

As Salah prepares for the event, she explained her approach to the journey ahead: “I have never tied my dreams to a goal or a target. I always tie it to a mission and a purpose. With goals, when they end, that is it, it ends. I have a mission and a purpose to leave this world better than I found it. I have a mission and a purpose to inspire others and overcome adversity.”

The model also urged fans to show their support early on, not just after a victory. “We have this habit of supporting people only once they’ve won. I want people to vote now, to support now, to give everything they have now, because I am representing my country and the region. It truly lifts our spirits,” she said.


Hollywood star Andrew Garfield speaks up for Gaza

Hollywood star Andrew Garfield speaks up for Gaza
Updated 13 October 2024
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Hollywood star Andrew Garfield speaks up for Gaza

Hollywood star Andrew Garfield speaks up for Gaza

DUBAI: In a clip that went viral over the weekend, Hollywood actor Andrew Garfield spoke up for Palestinians on Josh Horowitz’s “Happy Sad Confused” podcast.

Garfield, currently promoting his romantic drama “We Live in Time” alongside Florence Pugh, had an extensive conversation with Horowitz at New York’s 92nd Street Y.

During Thursday’s podcast interview, Horowitz posed an open-ended question asking if Garfield had any personal needs.

Garfield replied by urging people to focus on the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, saying that his personal happiness is more than sufficient.

“You know what, out of everyone in the world, I don’t need — I’m so happy,” Garfield said. “Like, we should be putting our energy toward something that actually matters, you know? Yeah, maybe the lives of, I don’t know, Palestinians in Gaza right now. Maybe that’s where we put our hearts and our energy.”

The actor continued: “And anyone suffering, anyone oppressed — anyone that is suffering under the weight of the horrors of our world right now. Anyone who doesn’t have a choice in, you know, living lives of dignity. Yeah — that’s where our energy should be going right now.”

With his stance on Palestine, Garfield joins the ranks of celebrities who have spoken out against Israel’s continuing onslaught in Gaza for the past year, including Palestinian American models and sisters Bella and Gigi Hadid, Marvel actor Mark Ruffalo, “Bridgerton” star Nicola Coughlan, and “Wednesday” actress Jenna Ortega.