Riyadh Fashion Week Day 5: Saudi streetwear gets its moment in the spotlight
Updated 22 October 2024
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Riyadh Fashion Week (RFW) wrapped up with a vibrant showcase of emerging male designers who are making waves in the streetwear scene. Monday night’s lineup featured labels such as Hindamme, House of Cenmar, Awaken, Jubb, and 1886.
One of the standout presentations came from Mohammed Khoja, the designer behind Hindamme, a Saudi ready-to-wear label. His collection served as a bridge between the past, present, and future, drawing inspiration from ancient petroglyphs found in Saudi Arabia.
One of the standout presentations came from Mohammed Khoja, the designer behind Hindamme, a Saudi ready-to-wear label. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah)
Khoja elaborated on his creative process in an interview with Arab News, saying, “I aimed to create motifs that reflect the ancient heritage of Saudi Arabia while simultaneously looking forward. Each piece in the collection tells a story, merging the old with the new."
The show concluded with a powerful statement emblazoned across a T-shirt worn by rising Saudi singer Mishaal Tamer, who recently played his first gig in London, which declared: “Saudi Arabia is the future.”
The Hindamme collection served as a bridge between the past, present, and future, drawing inspiration from ancient petroglyphs found in Saudi Arabia. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah)
The piece was designed in partnership with artist and entrepreneur Lina Malaikah, who said: “My favorite piece is definitely the T-shirt. It encapsulates our belief that Saudi Arabia is on the brink of a bright future across all fields.”
Following Hindamme, House of Cenmar took to the runway with a collection based on celestial motifs.
House of Cenmar took to the runway with a collection based on celestial motifs. (Supplied)
House of Cenmar’s presentation was not just about fashion but also about storytelling. The collection aimed to convey a sense of mystique and adventure, inviting viewers to explore the narratives behind each piece. The blend of traditional and modern aesthetics showcased the versatility of Saudi streetwear, illustrating how cultural influences can shape contemporary fashion.
As the curtains fell on this year’s event, the audience’s enthusiasm for these young designers signals a promising future for Saudi fashion.
Brad Pitt turns heads at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix while filming F1 blockbuster
Pitt was spotted at the Yas Marina Circuit during Friday’s practice sessions
Updated 47 min 55 sec ago
Arab News
ABU DHABI: Hollywood megastar Brad Pitt brought a touch of cinematic glamor to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend as he continued filming scenes for the highly anticipated movie “F1,” set to hit cinemas in June next year.
Pitt was spotted at the Yas Marina Circuit during Friday’s practice sessions, wearing a white racing jumpsuit as he posed with teams and filmed scenes alongside co-star Damson Idris.
The pair were photographed with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. and Charles Leclerc, with the Spanish driver sharing selfies featuring Pitt, Idris, Leclerc and Ferrari team members, captioned: “Look who photobombed our team pic.”
In the film, Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a fictional 1990s F1 driver who makes a dramatic return to the track after a career-ending crash to mentor rookie Joshua Pearce, played by Idris.
The movie contains a stellar ensemble cast, including Javier Bardem, Sarah Niles, Kerry Condon and Tobias Menzies, with Joseph Kosinski directing. Adding authenticity, seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton and legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer are among the project’s key drivers.
The film blends the real-world of Formula 1 through fictional storytelling and the help of all 10 F1 teams. Real-life drivers such as Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, Sergio Perez and Sainz appear as themselves, adding an extra layer of authenticity.
Pitt underwent rigorous training to master the high-speed vehicles used in the film. “He’s an amazing driver,” Bruckheimer said. “Some of the F1 drivers said he’s a natural athlete. He really is.”
Following a teaser trailer in July, fans have eagerly awaited more glimpses of F1, with continued filming at real races, including a high-profile shoot during the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Michelle Yeoh, Eva Longoria inspire audiences in Jeddah
Updated 07 December 2024
Nada Hameed
Jeddah: Hollywood actress Eva Longoria and Oscar-winning actress and producer Michelle Yeoh captivated the audience with their insights about the film industry at two “In Conversation” panels at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah.
With the festival set to run until Dec. 14 in Al-Balad, the conversations shed light on the significance of purpose-driven storytelling, cultural representation and breaking barriers in cinema.
Longoria, known for her role in “Desperate Housewives” and her directorial debut in “Flamin’ Hot,” shared her commitment to producing films that make a cultural impact.
Hollywood actress Eva Longoria posed before her In Conversation talk at the Red Sea International Film Festival. (Getty Images)
Speaking about her belief in using media as a force for social change, she said: “If we’re going to change the world, it’s going to be through culture. And who has the biggest impact on pop culture? Media — TV, films. If I can make things that change culture, culture changes minds and hearts.”
Longoria elaborated on her criteria for selecting projects, saying: “When I read a script, it’s clear to me very quickly if I want to direct it, do it, or be in it. It has to say something — bring a cultural or female perspective we need to see and hear.”
As a director, producer and actress, Longoria is keen to multitask. Expressing her belief in the leadership abilities of women, she said: “I like to direct, produce and act because I want to control everything. As women, we’re natural directors, decision-makers and multitaskers. It’s rewarding to do all three.”
Longoria also emphasized the importance of supporting women in the film industry, particularly women from underrepresented communities. Reflecting on her work with Latinas, she said: “When you help a woman, she helps her family. And when you improve the lives of families, you improve the lives of nations.”
Her advice to the next generation in the film industry focused on perseverance and the importance of experience. “If you don’t have the body of work, you can’t get the job. And you can’t get the job because you don’t have the body of work. You learn by doing. You volunteer your talents to anyone who will take you.”
Meanwhile, Yeoh, celebrated for her roles in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” for which she won the Best Actress Oscar in 2023, spoke about her involvement in action films.
She shared her experience with martial arts choreography, describing the art of movement in action sequences. “Action is like dance. Everything’s choreographed, but the projection of power and timing are different. It’s a blend of grace, speed and impact,” she said.
Yeoh’s experience in the industry has been one of defying expectations, particularly in action cinema. Reflecting on her groundbreaking role in 2000’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” she praised director Ang Lee for revolutionizing martial arts films.
“Ang Lee is a poet. He introduced martial arts cinema to the world in a way that made audiences feel like they were running on rooftops with us.”
Her determination to challenge Hollywood’s limited portrayal of Asian women was a defining aspect of her career. She shared the impact of saying no to stereotypical roles. “At that time, roles for Asian women were so stereotyped. I waited for two years because I refused to step backwards. Saying no is powerful.”
As a champion of cultural representation, Yeoh discussed the evolving landscape of cinema, stressing the importance of creating opportunities for diverse storytellers. “It’s crucial to create equal opportunities for storytellers to tell their stories in their own way. That’s how the industry evolves.”
For Yeoh, the journey is more about authenticity. “Tell your stories. Don’t cut corners. Believe in what you do because if you don’t believe in that, you’ve lost the battle already.”
Her experience as both an actress and producer has shown her the importance of both personal growth and collective representation. “Cinema is one of the best ways to learn about the world ... bring the world to you,” Yeoh said.
Both Longoria and Yeoh emphasize the importance of representation in the film industry. Longoria advocates for breaking barriers by focusing on women’s roles and encouraging diversity behind the scenes. She is committed to creating spaces where women and people of color can thrive in the industry.
“It’s much harder for women and people of color to break through,” she said. “Not because of intentional exclusion but because people hire who they know and who has the experience. That’s why building pipelines is so critical.”
Yeoh echoes these sentiments, stressing the significance of diverse voices in filmmaking.
“We are beginning to see changes,” she said. “We are beginning to welcome more diversity. We are beginning to see more women, especially, behind the cameras and other jobs, just instead of being an actress.”
This year’s roster of speakers at the festival includes the Academy Award-winning actor Brendan Fraser, renowned director and producer Michael Mann, Academy Award-nominated actor Jeremy Renner, acclaimed director Spike Lee, actress and director Olivia Wilde, Tony and Grammy Award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo, as well as more Bollywood legends alongside Middle Eastern icons.
Michael Douglas talks 50-year career at Red Sea International Film Festival
Updated 07 December 2024
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Hollywood actor and producer Michael Douglas was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah this weekend.
The honorary award was presented by Jomana-Al Rashid, chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, during the Academy Award-winning actor’s on-stage In Conversation talk on Friday.
The honorary award is a testament to Douglas's career and enduring influence on, and contribution to, cinema during his 50 year career, according to Al-Rashid.
The honorary award was presented by Jomana-Al Rashid. (Arab News)
“We are thrilled to recognize Michael Douglas with the Red Sea International Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award … (for) Douglas’s exceptional talent, dedication to his art, and for his remarkable impact on the world of entertainment,” she said.
In his acceptance speech, Douglas remarked on the festival's impact in the Arab World and Saudi Arabia.
“I am truly honored to receive this award from the Red Sea International Film Festival. It’s wonderful to be here among my fans from Saudi and the region. It is a great honor to receive this award from an organization which is dedicated to fostering the growth of films and offering a unique opportunity for aspiring filmmakers from Saudi Arabia, the Arab World, Asia, Africa and other parts of the world.”
The 80-year-old actor sat down for a conversation with TV presenter Raya Abirashid prior to receiving his award.
The actor is attending the Red Sea Film Festival with his wife and fellow actor Catherine Zeta-Jones. (Getty Images)
He told fans that it has not always been an easy path. “My first shows weren’t very good,” he admitted.
The Oscar winning actor said he has been enjoying a career break over the past two years but is still open to taking on projects that introduce him to a new genre or type of role.
Looking back at his career, Douglas said one of his few regrets was getting caught up in producing in the wake of producing 1975’s “One Flew Out Of The Cuckoo’s Nest.”
“Careful what you wish for,” he said. “I had a big production company. I financed my own movies. The producing aspect of my life sort of took over, and I would find myself in movies I was producing, and that is not a good combination,” he said.
“I would finish acting and then there would be a pile of crap, scripts that we were developing that I would then have to go through, making all my notes for them and all of that. So, the job became overwhelming. There were about 20 years in there which I could have simplified and probably enjoyed life more.”
The actor is attending the Red Sea Film Festival with his wife and fellow actor Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Throughout his career, Douglas has delivered performances in iconic films such as “Wall Street, ““Fatal Attraction,” “Basic Instinct,” “The China Syndrome,” “The Game” and “Behind The Candelabra” among others. He most recently starred in Apple TV series “Franklin.”
Filmmaker Lama Jarkas explores familial struggles with short on mother-daughter turmoil
Updated 07 December 2024
Afshan Aziz
JEDDAH: Lebanese Palestinian director Lama Jarkas unveiled her short film “Diaa Shamsi” at the Red Sea International Film Festival this week, exploring the struggles between a mother and daughter as the latter seeks to spread her wings.
In an interview with Arab News, Jarkas elaborated on the film’s themes and her motivations for telling the emotionally turbulent story.
Over 17 minutes, “Diaa Shamsi” follows the struggles of a young woman named Diaa, aged 17. She feels suffocated by her narcissistic mother, a woman more concerned with her appearance and societal opinion than with her daughter’s well-being. Tensions escalate when Diaa, on the verge of graduating from high school, expresses her desire to take a part-time job as a corporate writer, only to face her mother’s rejection over worries about public opinion.
Jarkas delves into the complexity of the mother-daughter relationship, emphasizing that “narcissism manifests differently in everyone.” She aims to explore the emotional conflicts arising from such dynamics: “Many individuals struggle with the effects of narcissistic parenting, which can lead to issues like low self-esteem,” she said.
The film, which she describes as deeply personal, marks her directorial debut. It was crafted during her sophomore year at Jeddah's Effat University and bringing it to a film festival such as RSIFF, with its roster of international talent, has been a milestone.
Jarkas said she was “eager to see how the audience connects with it. I hope viewers resonate with its themes and characters on a deeper level,” and emphasized the importance of authentic regional storytelling.
“I aim to highlight the diverse narratives that exist within Saudi culture. While my film may not represent every individual, it’s a story that many can connect with or relate to in some way. By exploring the complex and challenging dynamics of the mother-daughter relationship, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of emotional struggles,” she said.
“The complexities of family dynamics can be challenging, and I want viewers to walk away with a greater appreciation for the importance of support and understanding in pursuing one’s dreams.”
Speaking of her role as a filmmaker in shaping the perception and understanding of Saudi culture, she added: “Every artist has a crucial part in sharing the stories of their culture. As a Lebanese Palestinian raised in Jeddah, I feel a responsibility to highlight the diverse narratives within Saudi Arabia. By doing so, I aim to deepen understanding and appreciation of the region’s richness and complexity.”
Ahmed Al-Qithmi explores a turbulent marriage in Red Sea title ‘The Edge’
Updated 07 December 2024
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: In the realm of cinema, few stories resonate as deeply as those that explore the complexities of human relationships. Ahmed Al-Qithmi’s debut short film, “The Edge,” delves into the intricacies of a troubled marriage between protagonists Sultan and Haneen, capturing the emotional turbulence that often accompanies love.
Selected as part of the New Saudi/New Cinema (Shorts) lineup at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Al-Qithmi shared insights on character development, thematic exploration, and the challenges of filmmaking.
At the heart of the seven-minute short are characters that Al-Qithmi believes reflect the trials of many couples. “The story draws on common themes that resonate with many marital experiences,” he explained. “Everyone either goes through these situations or knows someone who has.”
The film emphasizes the importance of being emotionally available and effective communication in relationships, and Al-Qithmi confronts other, often taboo, issues.
“I addressed various matrimonial issues in the film, such as neglect and lack of interest during critical moments. Additionally, I aimed to highlight more severe experiences, including domestic violence,” he explained.
“Sultan’s character underwent significant evolution throughout the writing process,” Al-Qithmi said of his lead character, who is played by actor Khalid Yaseen.
“Initially, he resembled my personality closely, however, as we continued, we developed an independent persona for Sultan. This involved thoroughly exploring his social background, including a complete family structure with details about his siblings, ages, reasons for his marriage, and hobbies and interests.”
Haneen’s character was equally meticulously developed. Al-Qithmi spoke with various women to shape her personality, finding insights that would resonate with audiences before he sat down with actress Rand Al-Qusaybi to round out the role.
Al-Qusaybi’s “background in psychology aided our portrayal of Haneen,” the director said. “Interestingly, after our research, we found that Haneen’s personality was quite the opposite of Rand Al-Qusaybi’s. This contrast allowed us to create a compelling dynamic that showcased a different facet of the actress’ talent.”
One of the film’s central messages is the importance of honest communication in relationships. Al-Qithmi hopes audiences will take away the understanding that “a successful relationship requires honest communication between spouses … We should start speaking transparently with our partners rather than expect them to understand us through our reactions.”
Visually, Al-Qithmi used warm tones to enhance emotional intensity, and handheld camera movements during conflicts serve to amplify the tension, vividly illustrating the couple’s struggles.
“I chose a German-inspired style for filming because it enhances color intensity and incorporates warm tones in the images … During moments of conflict, we employed handheld camera movements to illustrate the intensity of anger and frustration. In the bedroom, I utilized a rotating camera technique while changing the time in the same location, showing that the couple shares the same room and bed, yet each exists in a different world,” he explained.
As “The Edge” makes its festival debut, Al-Qithmi is already contemplating future projects and told Arab News that while he remains committed to exploring themes related to family and relationships, he is also looking to cut his teeth in the world of comedy and science fiction.
