What’s screening in competition at the 2025 Saudi Film Festival

What’s screening in competition at the 2025 Saudi Film Festival
'Hobal' is set shortly before the outbreak of the Gulf War in 1990, and follows a Bedouin family living a nomadic existence in the desert. (Supplied)
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Updated 17 April 2025
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What’s screening in competition at the 2025 Saudi Film Festival

What’s screening in competition at the 2025 Saudi Film Festival

DUBAI: A rundown of the Feature Narrative Film contenders at this year’s Saudi Film Festival, which runs from April 17-23. 

‘Hobal’ 

Director: Abdulaziz Alshlahei 

Starring: Mila Al-Zahrani, Amal Samie, Ibrahim Al-Hasawi 

The Saudi filmmaker — whose movie “The Tambour of Retribution” was selected as the Kingdom’s entry into the 2022 Oscars and won the Special Jury Prize at the Cairo Film Festival in 2020 — has already grabbed headlines with his latest project, which is the first feature film to be shot in the Saudi megaproject NEOM. It’s set shortly before the outbreak of the Gulf War in 1990, and follows a Bedouin family living a nomadic existence in the desert. The patriarch has forbidden his family from heading into modernized cities — believing them to be dens of sin — but when his granddaughter Rifa contracts measles, her mother defies his rules to try and save her life. The film has already been a hit in Saudi Arabia: according to the Saudi Film Commission it had more than half a million cinema admissions in a little over a month following its release in January. 

‘My Driver and I’ 

Director: Ahd Kamel 

Starring: Roula Dakheelallah, Mishaal Tamer, Mustafa Shehata 

Saudi actress, writer, director and producer Kamel’s entry is a coming-of-age story set in her hometown of Jeddah in the Eighties and Nineties. It centers on the relationship between a free-spirited girl, Salma, and her family’s chauffeur, a Sudanese man named Gamar, who quickly becomes her confidant and something of a father figure to Salma, whose real dad is a businessman who shows more interest in his work than he does in his daughter. But as Salma grows up, their relationship becomes strained, as Salma feels that Gamar has overstepped his boundaries in his attempts to alter her behavior and protect her reputation.  




Saudi actress, writer, director and producer Ahd Kamel’s entry is a coming-of-age story set in her hometown of Jeddah. (Supplied)

‘Songs of Adam’ 

Director: Oday Rasheed 

Starring: Azzam Ahmed Ali, Abdul Jabber Hassan, Alaa Najm  

The Baghdad-born Arab American director blends drama and magical realism in this tale of two brothers — Adam and Ali — that begins in the 1940s. Having been told by their father to witness their grandfather’s corpse being washed before burial, Adam, then aged 12, announces that he has decided not to grow up. And as the years pass, he doesn’t. The villagers, including Ali, believe he has been cursed. Only Adam’s best friend Anki and his cousin Iman — who wasn’t allowed to witness the ritual as a child because she is a girl — see Adam’s condition as an innocence-preserving gift.  




The Baghdad-born Arab American director blends drama and magical realism in this tale of two brothers — Adam and Ali — that begins in the 1940s. (Supplied)

‘Holes’ 

Director: Abdulmohsen Aldhabaan 

Starring: Mariam Abdulrahman, Meshal Almutairi 

Saudi writer-director Aldhabaan’s latest feature is a psychological thriller that centers on Rakan and his wife Rim, who are desperate to find their own place so that they no longer have to live with Rakan’s mother. The only issue with their supposed new home is that someone has hammered a hole into one of its walls. After the married couple have moved in, Rakan becomes increasingly distant from Rim. Through flashbacks, we begin to learn why his mood has changed, and when his mother is attacked by burglars in her house, Rakan is confronted by an unwelcome reminder of his past.  

‘Fakhr Al-Suwaidi’ 

Directors: Hisham Fathyn, Abdullah Bamajboor, Osama Salih 

Starring: Fahad Al-Mutairi, Faisal Al-Ahmari, Saeed Al-Qahtani 

Shaheen is the idealistic principal of Al-Suwaidi High School, who is searching for a way to connect with some of his students whom he believes are in danger of going astray; three students in particular: Ziyad, whose family have recently returned from America and who is feeling stifled by their expectations of him; Mazen, a restless boy prone to violent outbursts; and Saeed, who is struggling to stay on the straight and narrow and redeem his reputation as a troublemaker. Shaheen starts a sharia class, and finds himself bonding with the students, but his younger brother Moeen is unhappy about the project, which he views as a waste of the school’s overstretched budget. 

‘Session Adjourned’ 

Director: Mohammad S. S. Almujaibel 

Starring: Hind Al-Balushi, Abdullah Al-Jiran, Abdullah Al-Turkmani 

This thriller marks the return of Kuwaiti star Al-Balushi to the silver screen after nearly seven years of not starring in movies. According to a synopsis on the Ithra website, it centers around a series of crimes apparently carried out in revenge for the murder of a young boy called Fahd. At each crime scene, the only clue found is a necklace in the shape of a scorpion. The most obvious suspect would be Fahd’s father — Younis Abdul Rahman. But he committed suicide over a year before the crimes began.


Musician charged with Chris Brown in alleged London nightclub assault

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Musician charged with Chris Brown in alleged London nightclub assault

Musician charged with Chris Brown in alleged London nightclub assault
LONDON: A fellow musician and friend of Chris Brown has been charged alongside the Grammy-winning singer on allegations they beat and seriously injured a music producer at a London nightclub in 2023, police said Saturday.
Omolulu Akinlolu, 38, who performs under the name “Hoody Baby,” was due to appear in Manchester Magistrates’ Court on a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Brown, 36, was jailed without bail on the same charge Friday, throwing his upcoming tour into question. He is scheduled to appear at Southwark Crown Court in London on June 13, which is the third day of his world tour.
Akinlolu is a rapper from Dallas, Texas, who has collaborated with Brown and Lil Wayne. He also goes by the names “Fat Leopard” and “Super Hood.”
Police gave no details on what role Akinlolu played in the alleged assault but said he was charged in connection with the same incident as Brown.
Brown was on tour in the UK in February 2023 when he launched an unprovoked attack on producer Abe Diaw, striking him several times with a bottle at the Tape nightclub in the swanky Mayfair neighborhood in London, prosecutor Hannah Nicholls said in court Friday.
Brown then chased Diaw and punched and kicked him in an attack caught on surveillance camera in front of a club full of people, she said.
Brown did not enter a plea and only spoke to confirm his name, birth date and gave his address as the Lowry Hotel, where he was arrested in Manchester early Thursday and taken into custody.
Brown’s representative has not responded to multiple requests for comment from The Associated Press.
Brown, often called by his nickname Breezy, burst onto the music scene as a teen in 2005 and has become a major hitmaker over the years with notable songs such as “Run It,” “Kiss Kiss” and “Without You.”
He won his first Grammy for best R&B album in 2011 for “F.A.M.E.” and then earned his second gold trophy in the same category for “11:11 (Deluxe)” earlier this year.
He is scheduled to launch an international tour next month with artists Jhene Aiko, Summer Walker and Bryson Tiller, opening with a European leg on June 8 in Amsterdam before starting North America shows in July.

Pakistani animated film ‘The Glassworker’ heads to US theaters with Watermelon Pictures

Pakistani animated film ‘The Glassworker’ heads to US theaters with Watermelon Pictures
Updated 5 min 53 sec ago
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Pakistani animated film ‘The Glassworker’ heads to US theaters with Watermelon Pictures

Pakistani animated film ‘The Glassworker’ heads to US theaters with Watermelon Pictures
  • The Pakistani animated film revolves around two people from disparate backgrounds, a glassblower and a violinist
  • The movie, selected as Pakistan’s submission to the 2025 Academy Awards, took the animation world by storm in 2024

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated film “The Glassworker” is set to screen in the United States (US) after Watermelon Pictures acquired its distribution rights, the US-based film production and distribution company said this week.

The Glassworker, released in Pakistan in July last year, was storyboarded by young Pakistani animator, Usman Riaz, who also directed the movie that comprised 1,477 cuts and 2,500 individual drawings, bringing to life the coming-of-age tale of two people from disparate backgrounds: young Vincent who is an apprentice at his father’s glass workshop, and the talented violinist Alliz, the daughter of a military colonel.

Around them, a war threatens to upend their lives and the relationships between the children and parents are tested. A total of 250 people worked on the film including national and international cast and crew.

In a post on Instagram, Watermelon Pictures said they were proud to announce that their very first animated feature, The Glassworker, would soon be coming to US theaters.

“After being selected as Pakistan’s submission to the 2025 Academy Awards, #TheGlassworker took the animation world by storm as Pakistan’s first ever hand-drawn animated feature,” the distribution company said.

“An ode to Hayo Miyazaki’s dedication to telling beautiful stories frame by frame, The Glassworker is truly a work of art.”

The deal was closed during Cannes and negotiated by Hamza Ali for Watermelon Pictures and Hélène Espeisse on behalf of Charades, which is representing the film at this year’s Marché Du Film, US entertainment website DEADLINE reported.

“The Glassworker is a breathtaking, emotional story that will resonate deeply with audiences of all ages. We are honored to bring this cinematic gem to US theaters,” Watermelon Pictures co-founder Hamza Ali was quoted as saying.

Ali launched the film production and distribution company in April, 2024 along with his brother, Badie Ali, with Alana Hadid as creative director. The firm aims to amplify the voices of underrepresented filmmakers across the globe.

“We are thrilled that The Glassworker will be released theatrically in the United States by Watermelon Pictures. Their rapid growth and recent string of successful, meaningful films make them the perfect partner to bring our work to American audiences,” Khizer Riaz, the film’s producer, was quoted as saying.

“We couldn’t be more excited.”


Where We Are Going Today: FreshHouse

Where We Are Going Today: FreshHouse
Updated 17 May 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: FreshHouse

Where We Are Going Today: FreshHouse

FreshHouse in Riyadh has all kinds of different meal options and is a great choice for those health nuts who value flavor, substance and speed.

The eatery offers an extensive menu to meet your needs at pretty much any time of the day, including bowls, on-the-go meals, salads, sandwiches, oats, yogurts for some light breakfast options, and even desserts.

You will love their Mediterranean Chicken Bowl menu.

This is packed with kabsa rice, Persian-style chicken, mixed greens, dill pickles, tomatoes, roasted corn, and surprisingly, dates — topped with a tahini sumac and basic lemon dressing.

The blend of flavors in the Mediterranean Bowl works perfectly, offering a tangy yet slightly creamy balance that does not feel too heavy but will fill you up just fine. The chicken is nice and tender and comes in the perfect amount.

Another showstopper on the menu is FreshHouse’s Pesto Pasta Chicken Bowl.

This comes with pomegranate, ricotta cheese, mixed greens, sundried tomatoes, black olives, zaatar, pecan, and is topped with cilantro and basic lemon dressing. There is a fine balance of tangy, creamy and sweet.

The pasta is seasoned perfectly, and what is especially great is that it is neither too heavy nor too bland, unlike many available healthy options.

For a lighter, more refreshing selection, FreshHouse also sells cups of mango parfait, honey muesli oats, berries and yogurt granola, and more.

A pretty good option is their mango overnight oats which tastes really good. However, the oats could be a little less soft and the mango flavor even more prominent.

Their acai bowl is quite underwhelming. Nothing special and lacking flavor in the acai itself.

Try FreshHouse the next time you are looking for a quick protein fix or snack. Their build-your-own option is also handy if you are that kind of person.


 


Red-carpet launch in Riyadh: Gerard Butler kicks off ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ premiere

Red-carpet launch in Riyadh: Gerard Butler kicks off ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ premiere
Updated 16 May 2025
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Red-carpet launch in Riyadh: Gerard Butler kicks off ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ premiere

Red-carpet launch in Riyadh: Gerard Butler kicks off ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ premiere
  • Reprising his role as Stoick the Vast, Butler’s visit marked a major moment for Saudi Arabia’s growing entertainment scene

RIYADH: Gerard Butler kicked off his international press tour for “How to Train Your Dragon” with a special red-carpet premiere at Vox Cinemas, Roshn Front in Riyadh. 

Reprising his role as Stoick the Vast, Butler’s visit marked a major moment for Saudi Arabia’s growing entertainment scene.

Fans filled the venue, eager to catch a glimpse of the Hollywood star. Butler took his time meeting attendees, posing for photos, and signing autographs, a gesture that was met with huge enthusiasm, especially from young fans.

In a press chat, Butler spoke about the significance of launching the film in Saudi Arabia, praising the Kingdom’s rising profile in the global entertainment industry. 

“It’s an honor to be here,” he said. “The energy of the crowd has been incredible, and I’m excited to share this story with everyone.”

He also recorded an exclusive interview with Arab News, set to be published soon.

“How to Train Your Dragon,” directed by three-time Oscar nominee Dean DeBlois, is a live-action remake of the beloved DreamWorks franchise. The film, releasing on June 12, follows the bond between Hiccup and Toothless, with Butler’s character playing a key role. The cast includes Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, and Bronwyn James.

The evening not only celebrated the film but also reflected Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position itself as a key player in the global film industry.


Landmark exhibition ‘Layered Medium’ brings six decades of Korean art to the GCC

Landmark exhibition ‘Layered Medium’ brings six decades of Korean art to the GCC
Updated 16 May 2025
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Landmark exhibition ‘Layered Medium’ brings six decades of Korean art to the GCC

Landmark exhibition ‘Layered Medium’ brings six decades of Korean art to the GCC

DUBAI: The first large-scale showcase of contemporary Korean art in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, “Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits – Contemporary Art from Korea, 1960s to Today,” promises to be a transformative experience for audiences in the Middle East.

Co-curated by Maya El-Khalil of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and Yeo Kyung-hwan of the Seoul Museum of Art, the exhibition brings together a sweeping collection of artworks that explore the evolution of Korean contemporary art from its roots in the 1960s to the present day.

Held at the Abu Dhabi art gallery Manarat Al-Saadiyat from May 16 to June 30, the exhibition marks a historic cultural bridge between Korea and the region, offering insights into how Korean artists have responded to shifts in political landscapes, technological advancements, and the complexities of modernity.

Ayoung Kim, Still image from Delivery Dancer's Sphere, 2022, single-channel video, 25 min. (Courtesy of the artist)

“This exhibition is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and ignite conversations across cultures,” said El-Khalil to Arab News. “It’s an opportunity for audiences to witness the dynamism and resilience of Korean art over decades of transformation.”

El-Khalil drew on her first experiences in Seoul, which she described as a “moment of discovery.” For her, the city revealed what she called “productive contradictions”: an art scene that was deeply specific to its context but spoke to universal experiences of urbanization, globalization, and technological change.

“This tension between specificity and universality became central to our curatorial approach. Rather than trying to explain Korean art, we wanted to create frameworks that would allow audiences to encounter works through shared experiences of inhabiting our rapidly shifting, technologically mediated worlds,” El-Khalil said.

Ayoung Kim, Installation view of Delivery Dancer's Sphere (2022) from the exhibition "What an Artificial World (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art,
Cheongju, Korea, 2024)." (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea, Photography Hong Choelki)

The exhibition begins with the immediate sensory experiences of the body, intersecting with social constructs of gender, nationality, and identity. From there it connects to cultural narratives of history and tradition before engaging with contemporary spatial realities of rapid urbanisation and precarious ecologies. It begins with its experimental phases in the 1960s, moving through the politically charged works of the 1980s, and culminating in the boundary pushing digital and multimedia explorations of today.

Yeo explained the curatorial decision. “We experience reality through our bodies, our social structures, and our physical and virtual terrains. By organizing the exhibition through this expanded sense of medium — as atmospheres of meaning-making — we created a framework that reflects circuits of experience: from our immediate bodily presence to our social relationships, to our navigation of built environments striated with power and control.”

Byungjun Kwon, Dancing Ladders, credit MMCA (2). (Supplied)

Among the standout works are installations that challenge conventional perceptions of space and time, multimedia projects that intertwine Korean folklore with digital storytelling, and large-scale sculptures that articulate the tension between tradition and innovation. El-Khalil spoke of parallels between Seoul and Abu Dhabi, citing rapid urbanization and globalization as shared narratives.

“Both cities are the product of rapid, accelerated development, each environment a remarkable narrative of transformation, though the stories are quite distinct: South Korea emerging after war and poverty, while the UAE grew quickly thanks to a clear vision and the discovery of natural resources,” she said.

“What’s really interesting is how artists in both places respond to similar changes like urbanisation or globalisation but from different cultural perspectives. Even though these changes seem global, they’re always shaped by local histories and ideas about the future. For example, Sung Hwan Kim’s ‘Temper Clay’ (2012), set in uniform apartment blocks, looks at the emotional and social impact of this kind of growth. These parallels allowed us to explore how different societies process similar transformations through different historical and cultural frameworks,” she added.

Ram Han, Room type 01, 2018. (Collection of Seoul Museum of Art)

The exhibition also highlights the impact of technological revolutions on Korean art, particularly in the realm of video and digital installations that emerged in the late 1990s. “Korean artists have always been at the forefront of exploring new media, often using technology as a medium to dissect cultural narratives and global dialogues,” said Yeo. “Their work is a testament to adaptability and forward-thinking—an open circuit that is constantly evolving.”

In addition to the main exhibition, “Layered Medium” features a series of panel discussions, workshops, and interactive installations aimed at engaging the community in dialogue about the role of contemporary art in shaping cultural identity and understanding. El-Khalil emphasized the importance of these community-focused initiatives: “We want this exhibition to be more than just a visual experience; it’s a platform for learning and cross-cultural exchange.”

As the first large-scale Korean art exhibition in the GCC, “Layered Medium” is poised to set a new standard for artistic collaboration between Korea and the Middle East. With its emphasis on dialogue, innovation, and historical reflection, the exhibition not only showcases the richness of Korean artistic expression but also reinforces the universal language of art as a bridge across diverse cultures.

“Ultimately, our hope is that visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the complexity and beauty of Korean contemporary art,” said Yeo. “It’s about creating connections—not just between East and West, but across generations, mediums, and ideologies.”