Launch of Cinamaa platform marks push for film studies in Saudi Arabia

Launch of Cinamaa platform marks push for film studies in Saudi Arabia
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The Saudi Film Commission's Cinamaa exhibit. (AN)
Launch of Cinamaa platform marks push for film studies in Saudi Arabia
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Panel discussion featuring Salma Tarek, professor of literature at the University of Cairo French language department and Tareq AlKhawaji, film critic and cultural adviser at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra). (AN)
Launch of Cinamaa platform marks push for film studies in Saudi Arabia
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The Saudi Film Commission's Cinamaa exhibit. (AN)
Launch of Cinamaa platform marks push for film studies in Saudi Arabia
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The exhibit showcased a display of what the Cinamaa platform has built and what it hopes to accomplish. (AN)
Launch of Cinamaa platform marks push for film studies in Saudi Arabia
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The Saudi Film Commission's Cinamaa exhibit. (AN)
Launch of Cinamaa platform marks push for film studies in Saudi Arabia
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The Saudi Film Commission's Cinamaa exhibit presented archives of Arabic films. (AN)
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Updated 17 April 2025
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Launch of Cinamaa platform marks push for film studies in Saudi Arabia

Launch of Cinamaa platform marks push for film studies in Saudi Arabia
  • Saudi Film Commission and National Film Archive launch platform to educate and support budding filmmakers
  • Experts describe the importance of developing film studies in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Saudi Film Commission has introduced a new initiative, Cinamaa, to promote film studies and support people entering the industry.

A launch event was held on Wednesday at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh, hosted by the commission and National Film Archive.

The Cinamaa website, a platform intended to help educate aspiring filmmakers, critics, and film enthusiasts, allowing them to share their work, gives users access to articles, research studies, discussions, workshops, and short films on various topics related to film.

Following a panel discussion in which she spoke on the importance of film studies in academia, Salma Tarek, professor of literature at the University of Cairo’s French language department, told Arab News: “We need to distinguish between academic studies, meaning university-level education, and studies at film institutes, which aim to train technicians and filmmakers.”

The latter is very important and widely available, she said, but cinema studies at the school and university levels are still lacking.

“Abroad, for example, children in elementary school have reading and literacy programs that include a section on how to ‘read’ a film. They learn what a shot is, what camera movement means, because these have become part of the basic language of how we interpret the world around us,” Tarek said.

“Cinema is no longer just an art form; it is a form of discourse. We are constantly exposed to it, and it’s very important that we learn how to decode its messages.”

Tarek said that these are messages that are constantly being sent to viewers, who must receive them in an open and thoughtful way.

“The university is the institution best suited to play this role.”

When asked what can be done to push this agenda forward, the professor said that first, there must be conviction in the value of cinema studies, a task she said is “not simple.”

The entry point, however, is in interdisciplinary studies.

“For example, literature departments can offer courses on the relationship between performance art and cinema. In history departments, there can be a course on cinema and history. Gradually, these borders will open up, and we will start to develop a cinematic culture within academic institutions.”

These institutions will then have the capabilities and foundation to establish dedicated departments for cinema studies, which Tarek said is the “ultimate goal.”

The panel also discussed the need for more original Arabic content in addition to translations of foreign films.

Tareq Al-Khawaji, film critic and cultural adviser at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, said that young Saudis interested in screenplay writing have a great opportunity to develop scripts that can contribute to bolstering the cinematic scene in the Kingdom.

The launch of Cinamaa was followed by the signing of two memoranda of understanding between the Saudi Film Commission and its partners, the Saudi Broadcasting Authority and the International Federation of Film Critics.

The commission’s CEO Abdullah Al-Qahtani took the stage with Mohammed Fahad Al-Harthi, SBA CEO and former editor in chief of Arab News, and Fipresci CEO Ahmad Shawky.

The establishment of the Cinema Critics Association was also announced, the first independent professional entity dedicated to film criticism in Saudi.

At the end of the night, the doors opened to welcome guests into an exhibition on film history in the Arab world.


‘Slava’s Snowshow’ delights Riyadh audience

‘Slava’s Snowshow’ delights Riyadh audience
Updated 22 sec ago
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‘Slava’s Snowshow’ delights Riyadh audience

‘Slava’s Snowshow’ delights Riyadh audience
  • Baker Al-Shedi Theater becomes a winter wonderland as ‘Snowshow’ enchants audience
  • Families and art lovers swept into a silent storm of creativity

RIYADH: “Slava's Snowshow” opened in Riyadh on Thursday before an audience of 200 people, mostly families with children, at the Baker Al-Shedi Theater.

The event, organized by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, is part of the commission’s efforts to enhance the city’s cultural scene in line with Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program.

“Slava’s Snowshow runs” from May 15 to 24, presenting 13 performances. Double-show weekends have been added to accommodate increasing demand. 

The performance featured snowstorm effects, unique characters, and striking visuals in a non-verbal show that appealed to all ages.

Created by Russian artist Slava Polunin, “Slava’s Snowshow” has been seen by more than 12 million people in more than 30 countries, from Broadway in New York to the West End in London.

Architect Khalid Alhazani, vice president of the Riyadh Life Sector at the RCRC, said: “We are pleased to bring ‘Slava’s Snowshow’ to Riyadh as part of our commitment to introducing world-class cultural experiences to the Kingdom. Hosting internationally acclaimed performances creates valuable cultural moments for the community.

“This is a significant step toward Riyadh’s goal of becoming a vibrant and creative capital, aligned with the ambitions of Vision 2030,” he added.

Abdulaziz Awlia, a faculty member at the Department of Performing Arts, King Saud University, told Arab News: “Bringing ‘Slava’s Snowshow’ to Riyadh reflects a growing cultural awareness in Saudi Arabia and highlights the shift in the Kingdom’s theatre scene toward international openness.

“The show introduces local audiences to new theatrical forms that go beyond dialogue and traditional storytelling. It uses visual language, movement, and silence to engage the audience emotionally. This is especially effective in a society with a strong oral heritage,” Awlia added.

“Performances like this can encourage Saudi theatre to grow by embracing experimentation and focusing on visual and poetic elements,” Awliya said.

“Slava’s Snowshow” has received more than 25 international awards, including the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment and a Tony Award nomination on Broadway. The production combines visual performance and physical comedy to take audiences through a theatrical experience rooted in imagination and nostalgia. It appeals to audiences of all ages with its focus on creativity and childlike wonder.

Since its debut in 1993, the show has been performed thousands of times in hundreds of cities and dozens of countries. 

The production, which blends visual performance with elements of tragicomedy, has carved out a unique place in contemporary theatre. It has received numerous international honors, with recognition stretching from London and New York to Australia, Mexico, Paris, and Moscow.


Kunnah season marks peak of Jazan’s fishing wealth

Kunnah season marks peak of Jazan’s fishing wealth
Updated 35 sec ago
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Kunnah season marks peak of Jazan’s fishing wealth

Kunnah season marks peak of Jazan’s fishing wealth
  • Abundance of the sought-after kingfish and other species
  • Govt supports with finance, boats, official tells Arab News

MAKKAH: Along the warm coastal waters of Jazan, the annual Kunnah fishing season has arrived, marking a period eagerly anticipated by local fishermen for its exceptional marine bounty.

This renowned season, which runs from mid-April to mid-June, is celebrated for the abundance of kingfish, known locally as Al-Dhirak or Tyrak.

In an interview with Arab News, Muhannad bin Abdulaziz Khawaji, director-general of the Fisheries Research Center in Jazan, provided insight into this economically vital season.

“The Kunnah season highlights the valuable marine resources that make Jazan’s coastline so distinctive,” Khawaji explained.

“While officially beginning in late April, we typically see catch volumes increase significantly from mid-April, continuing through mid-June.”

The season is characterized by gradually rising temperatures and initial wind conditions.

“Fishing operations continue uninterrupted except when safety warnings are issued by the National Center for Environmental Compliance or Border Guards,” Khawaji noted.

Market dynamics shift dramatically during this period, with lower prices for kingfish because of the increased supply.

“April through July represents our most diverse and abundant fishing period of the entire year in Jazan,” he said.

Khawaji said anticipation builds in Jazan’s fishing community as the Kunnah season approaches.

The waterfront becomes particularly vibrant as amateur anglers and tourists, permitted to use hook-and-line methods with catch limits, join professional fishermen on the waters.

“The Kunnah season is not a time of scarcity — it is when the sea offers its greatest gifts,” said Mohammed Al-Qurbi, a fisherman from Jazan’s coastal waters.

Al-Qurbi said Kunnah season brings remarkable abundance. The waters teem with prized catches including green snappers, leopard coral groupers, and the coveted kingfish.

“Those who truly understand the rhythms of the sea recognize this as a time of providence, not pause,” Al-Qurbi said, emphasizing the importance of experience to garner the greatest benefit from the season.

Khawaji said the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture responds to this seasonal surge by offering specialized permits, with an accompanying sailor license.

Preparations for the season begin well in advance, with authorities noting significant increases in applications for boat preparation, license renewals, and equipment upgrades.

The ministry facilitates these preparations through coordination with the Transport General Authority and Border Guards.

Khawaji pointed to conservation efforts, including a ban on fishing in spawning and other protected marine areas.

He said the ministry organizes periodic workshops to raise awareness and provides support including fully-equipped boats, loans, and direct financial support of up to SR50,000 ($13,330) annually for every active fisherman.

Ibrahim Qassim, another local fisherman, said: “Kunnah marks the annual migration of kingfish through the Red Sea. They travel our waters searching for feeding grounds and eventually spawning areas.”

He noted that these magnificent fish can reach impressive sizes during this migration, with specimens weighing between 10 to 15 kg regularly appearing in catches.

Fishermen employ specialized techniques during this season, including the Al-Majroor method — a weighted line featuring artificial plastic lures called Al-Azm or Al-Labiah specifically designed to attract kingfish.

Others use strategic lighting systems to draw the fish toward their vessels during nighttime expeditions, Qassim explained.

The economic impact on local communities is significant.

“Most fishermen concentrate their annual efforts during Kunnah season due to the exceptional productivity,” Khawaji explained.

“The abundance of catch, particularly kingfish, directly translates to increased income for fishing families.”

Khawaji said the Kunnah season coincides with spawning periods for some marine species including shrimp. There are also temporary bans on harvesting certain species such as Nagel and Taradi fish.

“These measures are essential for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring sustainable fish stocks for future generations,” Khawaji said.


Spotlight on technology at Riyadh project management forum

Spotlight on technology at Riyadh project management forum
Updated 16 May 2025
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Spotlight on technology at Riyadh project management forum

Spotlight on technology at Riyadh project management forum
  • Global Project Management Forum opens on Saturday
  • AI is major ‘transformative’ force, says forum’s chairman

RIYADH: The three-day Global Project Management Forum 2025 opens here on Saturday titled “Next-Gen Project Management: The Power of People, Processes, and Technology.”

Held under the patronage of Majid Al-Hogail, minister of municipalities and housing, the GPMF brings together government officials, industry pioneers, innovators, and global thought leaders.

Badr Burshaid, chairman of the forum, told Arab News: “Artificial intelligence is no longer a future trend it is now one of the most transformative forces in project management.”

He said the forum would showcase live demonstrations of AI tools.

This includes predictive analytics, which McKinsey estimates can boost project efficiency by 30 percent, alongside real-time resource optimization systems, he said.

These innovations, he noted, are already shifting workflows across industries.

“By 2030, Gartner predicts that 80 percent of project management functions will be supported or led by AI,” Burshaid said.

“AI is not here to replace human leadership — it is here to enhance it,” he added.

Burshaid highlighted digital twin technology as a game-changer, citing its role in saving “hundreds of millions in maintenance costs” for projects such as London’s Crossrail.

Hybrid governance models blending agile and predictive approaches, he added, are becoming critical in today’s complex project landscapes.

On the GPMF’s global influence, he said: “These conversations aren’t theoretical — they’re catalytic. GPMF is not just responding to change; it is architecting it.”

“Developing future talent is a strategic imperative at GPMF 2025,” Burshaid added.

The forum’s initiatives include the Project Management Challenge, where students solve real-world problems, and partnerships with universities to align education with industry needs.

He emphasized that “talent cultivation is not aspirational — it’s operational,” pointing to certifications and mentorship programs as proof of the GPMF’s commitment.

Burshaid linked the forum’s agenda to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, noting that Project Management Offices remain pivotal in turning national goals into results.

Case studies from Saudi Arabia’s mega-projects would demonstrate how digital tools and performance-monitoring drive progress.

“GPMF doesn’t just reflect Vision 2030, it propels it forward,” he said.

Addressing tensions between automation and human judgment, Burshaid argued that “technology can accelerate processes, but only people can provide vision, context, and values.”

Sessions at the event including “Leadership Under Pressure” would guide professionals in balancing AI tools with ethical oversight and empathy.

“GPMF stands for a future in which innovation is deeply human-centric,” he added.

Burshaid issued a rallying call: “From Riyadh, we’re not only reimagining project management — we’re raising the standard for how nations and leaders deliver transformation.”


Security undersecretary for Jouf region attends Hajj exhibition

Security undersecretary for Jouf region attends Hajj exhibition
Updated 16 May 2025
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Security undersecretary for Jouf region attends Hajj exhibition

Security undersecretary for Jouf region attends Hajj exhibition

RIYADH: Mohammed Al-Subaihi, the undersecretary for security affairs in Jouf region attended the “No Hajj without a Permit” mobile exhibition put together by the General Directorate of Border Guard on Thursday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The exhibition concluded on Friday after presenting material to educate pilgrims on the importance of adhering to Hajj regulations.

It also focused on the penalties levied on individuals who tried to perform Hajj without the proper permit.

 


Jeddah to host 3rd Saudi Fashion and Text Exhibition

Jeddah to host 3rd Saudi Fashion and Text Exhibition
Updated 16 May 2025
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Jeddah to host 3rd Saudi Fashion and Text Exhibition

Jeddah to host 3rd Saudi Fashion and Text Exhibition

JEDDAH: Pyramids Group held a press conference at the theater hall of the Jeddah Exhibition and Convention Center to unveil details of the third edition of the Saudi Fashion and Textile Exhibition, scheduled to take place from September 25 to 28.

Attended by a select group of prominent figures, media leaders, fashion designers, influencers, and businessmen.

This exhibition is expected to mark a turning point in the fashion industry in the Kingdom, solidifying its position as a global hub for creativity and fashion.

The exhibition aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to promote the creative industries and attract global brands to the Saudi market

Mohammed Al-Sherif, CEO of Pyramids Group for International Exhibitions and Conferences, confirmed the participation of over 550 exhibitors from 25 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Italy, the USA, Japan, India, the UAE, and others.

“The Saudi Fashion and Textile Exhibition is the gateway to the future of fashion in the Middle East, where the world meets Saudi Arabia. We expect to attract over 18,000 specialized visitors, including wholesalers, fashion designers, retailers, and investors in the industry.”

He added: “The fashion and textile market in the Kingdom has witnessed significant growth in recent years. Saudi Arabia is emerging as one of the most dynamic and promising markets in the world, driven by Vision 2030, a young population, booming retail sector, and a strong push for creativity and sustainability.”

Filiz Karakul, Managing Director of Pyramids Group, stated: “Fashion is the interpretation of society through history, it is a cultural home. That’s why we are here in Jeddah, launching the Saudi Fashion Exhibition for the first time. We are bringing together fashion experts from around the globe to create a global hub for textile innovation and style. It’s more than an event; it’s a new chapter for fashion in Saudi Arabia.”

Riyad Bakili told Arab News: “Saudi Arabia has started to attract designers and European brands from France, Italy, Switzerland, and others, reflecting a growing interest in fashion as part of the tourism experience. Tourism represents a major opportunity to support local fashion and open new horizons for passionate young Saudis.

There’s a new generation that has not yet participated in specialized exhibitions or summits, despite the presence of notable Saudi designers and factories.

He added, “This exhibition, offers an opportunity for those interested to explore new trends in design and discover the distinct styles and embellishments of each designer.

Significant developments are underway in the tourism sector, and we hope everyone participates to benefit from shared knowledge and impactful results.”

Mohammed Al-Safh, Director of the Jeddah Exhibition and Convention Center, said: “This major event is a key platform for local and international companies in the field. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s aspirations to achieve sustainable urban development aligned with the goals of its national vision.”

During the press conference, a short promotional video was presented, highlighting the exhibition’s milestones and previous editions, setting the stage for an exceptional edition that reflects the Kingdom’s ambitions and the flourishing of its fashion industry.

The exhibition will blend tradition with innovation, featuring the latest collections from both global and local designers in a showcase that combines elegance, modernity, and cultural diversity.

It was also an exclusive fashion design competition which willbe held during the exhibition, offering local talents the chance to shine on the global stage by presenting their work to international buyers and media. The competition promises prestigious prizes, global recognition, and potential collaborations with leading fashion houses.

Furthermore, the first International Fashion Conference in the Kingdom was revealed. It will take place during the exhibition and feature expert-led seminars, discussion panels, and advanced workshops on topics such as global fashion trends and market forecasts, sustainable fashion and textiles, AI and digital transformation in design, empowering fashion entrepreneurship as well as merging traditional and modern fashion in the Gulf.