Ithra hosts screening of Japanese indie horror hit 

Special Ithra hosts screening of Japanese indie horror hit 
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The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) hosted a special screening of the 2017 film One Cut of the Dead. (Supplied)
Special Ithra hosts screening of Japanese indie horror hit 
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The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) hosted a special screening of the 2017 film One Cut of the Dead. (Supplied)
Special Ithra hosts screening of Japanese indie horror hit 
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Director of the 2017 Japanese film One Cut of the Dead Shinichiro Ueda. (Supplied)
Special Ithra hosts screening of Japanese indie horror hit 
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Director of the 2017 Japanese film One Cut of the Dead Shinichiro Ueda. (Supplied)
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Updated 05 February 2025
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Ithra hosts screening of Japanese indie horror hit 

Ithra hosts screening of Japanese indie horror hit 
  • Shinichiro Ueda: One key point is that this film was created as part of an acting workshop we conducted, and then we made a film with the participants
  • Ueda: As a result, there were no casting costs. We also assembled a strong team from within the workshop, which helped keep the budget low

DHAHRAN: As a part of Japan Cultural Days in Dhahran, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Ithra, recently hosted a special screening of the 2017 film “One Cut of the Dead.”

It was followed by an exclusive Q&A with director Shinichiro Ueda.

“One key point is that this film was created as part of an acting workshop we conducted, and then we made a film with the participants,” Ueda told the crowd.

“As a result, there were no casting costs. We also assembled a strong team from within the workshop, which helped keep the budget low,” he said.

The event gave audiences a rare opportunity to explore the film’s creative process, behind-the-scenes secrets, and the journey that turned this indie film into an international phenomenon. 

“For the protagonist’s house, we used my own home, and as for the baby … that was my own child."

“Yes, ‘One Cut of the Dead’ was indeed shot in one continuous take,” he confirmed, earning applause from the audience.

At first glance, it seems like a typical horror movie — a film crew shooting a bloody zombie film in an abandoned location, complete with exaggerated movements and endless screams — only to find themselves caught in a real zombie outbreak. 

Chaos ensues as they struggle to survive, all while the cameras keep rolling. However, nothing is as it seems.

Before the screening, audiences at Ithra were advised not to be deterred by the seemingly chaotic and confusing beginning.

“You will be rewarded after the first 40 minutes, and it will all make sense,” an announcement assured viewers before the 96-minute film began.

The film’s innovative structure and execution have made it a favorite among directors who appreciate smart and unconventional filmmaking. American filmmaker and actor Quentin Tarantino called it one of his favorite films of the year. 

Edgar Wright, director of “Shaun of the Dead,” highlighted its clever storytelling, and Rian Johnson, director of “Knives Out” and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” praised its creativity.

For the discussion, Ueda wore a Saudi thobe and shemagh, joining several of the film’s actors, along with a moderator and translator.

They explored how the film defied genre conventions, blending horror and comedy with an inventive storytelling structure that surprised audiences worldwide.

The film won multiple honors, including the Audience Award at the Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival and Best Director at the Fantaspoa International Fantastic Film Festival.

Dammam resident Ahmed Albather shared his excitement with Arab News about finally watching the 2017 classic he had heard so much about.

“I heard about this screening and came specifically to watch it. The film is said to be one of the best Japanese indie zombie films of the last decade, if not longer. I love Japanese movies, so I had to come,” Albather said.

“This is my first visit to Ithra’s Japan Cultural Days, and I am really impressed by it and how they brought the director to talk to us here,” he added. 

The film is being showcased in its original Japanese with Arabic and English subtitles.

For those who missed the event, “One Cut of the Dead” will have another screening at Ithra Cinema on Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m., without the director’s talk.

Tickets can be purchased through the Ithra website or at the venue.


Saudi Arabia condemns new Israeli agency for displacing Palestinians from Gaza Strip

Saudi Arabia condemns new Israeli agency for displacing Palestinians from Gaza Strip
Updated 24 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns new Israeli agency for displacing Palestinians from Gaza Strip

Saudi Arabia condemns new Israeli agency for displacing Palestinians from Gaza Strip
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically rejects Israeli violations of international and humanitarian laws in the Gaza Strip
  • Israel’s new agency will be tasked with relocating Palestinians to unspecified third countries

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel’s recognition of illegal settlements in the Occupied West Bank and the establishment of an agency aimed at displacing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip on Monday.

The ministry said it categorically rejects Israeli violations of international and humanitarian laws in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

“(Saudi Arabia condemns) Israeli occupation authorities’ announcement of the establishment of an agency aimed at displacing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip,” the ministry said in a statement.

Israel said it is creating a government agency to oversee the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip following approval from the Israeli security cabinet over the weekend.

Since late 2023, at least 50,000 people have been killed during the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip, and almost 1.9 million Palestinians in Gaza are now internally displaced.

Israel’s new agency will be tasked with relocating Palestinians to unspecified third countries under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence.

On Monday, Saudi Arabia also condemned the approval of 13 illegal settler outposts in the West Bank over the weekend. The Saudi ministry said that the decision was made “in preparation for their legalization as colonial settlements.”

It added that lasting peace can only be achieved if the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights and establish an independent state on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


Saudi deputy minister receives US embassy official

Saudi deputy minister receives US embassy official
Updated 24 March 2025
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Saudi deputy minister receives US embassy official

Saudi deputy minister receives US embassy official
  • Al-Khuraiji met Turkiye’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Emrullah Isler, the parties focusing on bilateral cooperation and ways to enhance it in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji recently received in Riyadh Alison Dilworth, the charge d’affaires ad interim of the US Embassy in the Kingdom.

The parties reviewed bilateral relations between the countries, as well as the latest regional and international developments, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.

Al-Khuraiji also met Turkiye’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Emrullah Isler, the parties focusing on bilateral cooperation and ways to enhance it in various fields.

 


Riyadh forum promotes cross-sector partnerships for sustainable development

Riyadh forum promotes cross-sector partnerships for sustainable development
Updated 24 March 2025
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Riyadh forum promotes cross-sector partnerships for sustainable development

Riyadh forum promotes cross-sector partnerships for sustainable development
  • Event, held on Saudi Social Responsibility Day on March 23, raised awareness about the importance of social responsibility in community development and sustainable growth
  • Saud Al-Subaie, chairman of the association, stressed the need for concerted efforts across all sectors to reinforce social responsibility

RIYADH: The Social Responsibility Association in Riyadh organized the second Social Responsibility Forum to integrate efforts across sectors to support sustainable development and Vision 2030.

The event, held on Saudi Social Responsibility Day on March 23, raised awareness about the importance of social responsibility in community development and sustainable growth.

It aimed to strengthen the role of companies in fostering this culture and contributing to societal, economic, and environmental development, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

Saud Al-Subaie, chairman of the association, stressed the need for concerted efforts across all sectors to reinforce social responsibility.

He highlighted the complementary roles of the government, private, and nonprofit sectors in creating a positive impact on society and the economy, while promoting a culture of giving.

Abdullah Al-Muhanna, CEO of the association, noted its commitment to building effective partnerships and spreading social responsibility.

He said that the occasion serves as an opportunity to instil values of generosity and solidarity, while enhancing institutional contributions to community service.

Statistics from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development show that the percentage of major companies implementing social responsibility programs increased from 30 percent in 2019 to 65 percent by the end of 2023.

The forum featured two panel discussions on the role of the government, private, and nonprofit sectors in activating social responsibility.

The discussions also covered national experiences, governance of community work, and ways to instill a culture of social engagement among future generations.

Additionally, the forum addressed methods for measuring social responsibility outcomes and adopting impactful programs.

During the event, the Princess Al-Anoud Charity Foundation was honored for its contributions to community initiatives and sustainable development.

Several institutions, private sector entities, and individuals were also recognized for their work.

This year’s Saudi Social Responsibility Day, under the theme “We Commit to Our Social Responsibility,” reaffirmed the role of all entities in fostering a culture of generosity and citizenship.

The event is vital for entrenching the culture of giving and enhancing collaboration across sectors, contributing to sustainable development and raising awareness of commitments toward individuals and institutions.


Saudi Architecture Characters Map begins implementation with digital tools and training

Saudi Architecture Characters Map begins implementation with digital tools and training
Updated 25 March 2025
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Saudi Architecture Characters Map begins implementation with digital tools and training

Saudi Architecture Characters Map begins implementation with digital tools and training
  • Initiative provides developers with guidelines for architectural styles
  • Guidelines inspired by regional identities, aiming to reflect Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity

RIYADH: The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has started the next phase of the Saudi Architecture Characters Map rollout in Taif, Al-Ahsa, Asir, and Makkah following its official launch earlier this month.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Vice Minister of Municipalities and Housing Ehab Ghazi AlHashani detailed the next steps and outlined the robust coordination efforts underway to ensure the project’s success.

AlHashani emphasized the long preparation behind the initiative: “The architectural map of Saudi Arabia is really a project that has been in the (works) for over two years, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.”

 

The ministry, he said, is concentrating on building awareness and preparing the industry for the upcoming rollout.

“The immediate step now that we have launched is really to kind of heighten awareness and start training some of the architects (to) launch in the four cities that were announced, at Taif, Al-Ahsa, Asir (and) Makkah.”

Saudi Architecture provides developers across the Kingdom with guidelines for building styles.

The Characters Map introduces 19 distinct architectural styles inspired by regional identities, aiming to reflect Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity through its built environment.

The long-term vision of the project is to create more walkable and sustainable cities.

“We are working on broader strategy to kind of develop the five, 10, 15-minute cities in Saudi Arabia, where you can go to work, do your basic needs with a walkable distance,” he said.

AlHashani stressed that training architects is crucial for smooth implementation. He noted the extensive groundwork already laid out before the public launch.

“We have a massive program ongoing, starting with the communication that we are doing now … this has the training started way before the launch, so to make sure that we hit the ground running. The efforts are significant.”

He also highlighted the technical and digital support behind the initiative. “There (are) the digital tools in place that have been implemented already, part of the Balady platform. And of course, the ongoing communications with … the municipalities, and of course, our partners, the regional development authorities,” he added.

Addressing the evolution of design influences, AlHashani explained how previous examples have informed the current codes. He remarked on the role that pioneering projects played in shaping the national approach.

“Any successful example of (an) architectural design guideline was taken into account in developing these codes … our designs (are) inspired somewhat by Diriyah … but mostly it’s more covering the entire area of the central region.”

Looking ahead, he confirmed that implementation is already visible on the ground.

He added that the rollout is set to accelerate, with numerous examples expected in the near future: “There will be many examples in the coming 12 months … of these guidelines being implemented on the ground.”

To ensure a uniform application of the new design codes, the ministry has integrated the guidelines into its licensing process. AlHashani explained how digital enforcement plays a key role.

“Balady platform already has kind of a geospatial element in it, where each zone is already linked to the license that is issued. So, if you apply for a license in Taif, then the guidelines will come up as the requirements that you will have to (adhere to) in terms of design.”

Public engagement and outreach are also essential components of the initiative. AlHashani underscored the breadth of the ministry’s reach through its extensive municipal network.

“The municipal sector is the largest sector in Saudi Arabia … that has access and reach to the citizen.

“You deal with the with us on a daily basis, even without you knowing. We have for instance 285 (municipalities). We have 17 amanahs (administrative divisions). We are present everywhere in Saudi Arabia.”

He further emphasized the role of workshops and stakeholder meetings as vital tools for ensuring that all parties are aligned with the new standards.

“More importantly (are) the kind of the workshops that we have with key stakeholders in (these) structures such as the architectural firms, the big developers, and of course, the giga projects.”

Looking to the future, AlHashani touched on the broader strategic goals that underpin the initiative.

He explained that success will not only be measured by the immediate application of design guidelines but also by their impact on urban planning, with “major (key performance indicators).”

With integrated digital tools, targeted training, and extensive stakeholder engagement, the Saudi Architecture Characters Map aims to redefine urban development across the Kingdom while remaining rooted in its rich cultural heritage.


KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities
Updated 24 March 2025
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KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

In the Syrian Arab Republic, 389 food packages were distributed to families in need in Homs governorate as part of the Etaam Ramadan project. KSrelief also distributed 160 parcels in Al-Dumayr, Rif Dimashq governorate.

In Yemen, 594 food baskets were provided to vulnerable groups in Shabwah governorate, benefiting 4,158 people.

In Somalia, KSrelief distributed 1,200 packages to impoverished families in Baidoa, benefiting 7,200 people.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

Additionally, KSrelief distributed 2,812 cartons of dates in Tal Shihab, Daraa governorate, Syria, benefiting 2,812 families.

The Saudi aid agency also provided 630 food baskets in Port Sudan, benefiting 3,561 impoverished and displaced people.