Review: Watching ‘Hobal' at the Saudi Film Festival was an immersive experience
For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @arabnews.lifestyle
The setting in which the film was screened was significant. The cinema is close to Ithra's Energy Exhibit, which allows visitors to explore the journey behind oil extraction and energy resources in the Kingdom on the very land where black gold was first discovered in 1938.
Attentive faces, bathed in the glowing light of the screen sat with popcorn-scented hands. Together, we embarked on a journey — both collective and deeply personal — without moving an inch.
'Hobal' tells the story of a Bedouin family, set in the early 1990s, living in extreme isolation, led by a paranoid patriarch (Ibrahim Al-Hasawi) who believes the end of times is near, and strongly forbids anyone from his family to venture into town.
The title, 'Hobal,' is apt. It references a pre-Islamic figure whose word became gospel, offering deeper layers to the film's exploration of power and belief.
The family's situation intensifies when Rifa (Amal Sami), the teen girl, falls gravely ill with a highly contagious case of measles and is forced to isolate even further in a tent alone. Her anguished mother (Mila Al-Zahrani) is consumed with worry, but the men, under the strict guidance of the patriarch, refuse to leave the desert to seek medical help. The women — and young teen boy, Assaf — are confronted with a dilemma: Survival or obedience.
With the hissing desert winds, surrounded by stubborn tents and the suffocating grip of impending grief and unearthed betrayal, the question arises: Will they stay or will they go?
The film's cinematography is a standout. One particularly stunning shot lingers — a mirror leaning into the sand, reflecting Rifa and Assaf in deep conversation seemingly side-by-side but while apart. The desert engulfs them but they seem grounded. It is shatteringly beautiful. The wisest figures seem to be the youngest.
Set against the backdrop of the Gulf War, the real battles feel internal.
What made watching 'Hobal' even more powerful was experiencing it in a Saudi cinema — not too far, geographically, from where the Gulf War broke out, knowing this was a story entirely brought to life by local talent.
There is also a strong Ithra connection. The film was written by Mufarrij Almajfel, who also wrote the award-winning 2023 Ithra film 'Hajjan' (about camels), which also starred Al-Hasawi — honored at this year's festival for his remarkable career. Camels, the symbolic 'ships of the desert,' make several meaningful appearances here too, helping to move the story along.
Directed by Abdulaziz Alshlahei and produced by Sharif Almajali (along with Alshlahei and Mohammed Al-Turki as executive producers), 'Hobal' is a collaborative effort between Shaf Studios, Film Clinic and Peninsula Pictures Group.
The film had its world premiere at the 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah and was released in cinemas across the Kingdom in early 2025.
Since then, 'Hobal' has grossed an impressive SR21.6 million (about $5.8 million) in its first month, quickly becoming the fastest-growing box office hit in Saudi cinematic history.
It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
‘The Walking Dead' actress Kelley Mack dies at 33
LOS ANGELES — Actress Kelley Mack, known for her appearance in post-apocalyptic zombie drama 'The Walking Dead,' has died. She was 33. Mack, who was born Kelley Klebenow, 'passed away peacefully' in her hometown of Cincinatti on Saturday after battling glioma of the central nervous system, according to a statement posted on the social networking site CaringBridge. A glioma is a type of tumor that affects the brain or spinal cord. 'It is with indelible sadness that we are announcing the passing of our dear Kelley. Such a bright, fervent light has transitioned to the beyond, where we all eventually must go,' read a post on Mack's Instagram on Tuesday alongside a photo of the actress. Condolences have poured in from colleagues, friends and fans remembering her as 'talented' and a 'sweet soul.' 'What an incredible human. So proud to have fought alongside her in our final episode together,' wrote Alanna Masterson, who also starred in 'The Walking Dead.' Mack held 35 actress and five producer credits during her career, according to the statement posted to CaringBridge. She was best known for playing Addy in season 9 of 'The Walking Dead,' and Penelope Jacobs in season 8 of 'Chicago Med' and on FOX's '9-1-1.'She also did commercial and voice-over work, appearing in commercials for Dr. Pepper, Ross stores, Dairy Queen and Chick-fil-A, among others. Her love for storytelling flourished after she received a mini video camera as a birthday gift at a young age. She began acting in commercials as a child.'Kelley was known for her warmth, creativity and unwavering support for those around her,' the statement said. 'Her infectious enthusiasm and dedication to her work inspired countless others in the industry and beyond.'Mack graduated from Hinsdale Central High School and earned a bachelor's degree in cinematography from Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts in Orange, actress is survived by her parents, Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow; sister Kathryn and brother Parker; grandparents Lois and Larry Klebenow; and her boyfriend Logan Lanier.'Kelley's legacy will live on through her contributions to film and television, and in the hearts of those who loved her. She will be deeply missed by forever remembered for her talent, kindness and vibrant spirit,' according to the statement. — CNN
Arab News
31-07-2025
- Arab News
Ithra's Youth Summer Program ends with student-made creativity
DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Ithra, concluded the fourth edition of its month-long Youth Summer Program with a grand finale on Thursday. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Held at Ithra's cinema, with its iconic vibrant colorful seats, the closing ceremony featured student-made film screenings, a piano performance and a spirited debate on AI's role in fostering future creativity. Running from July 7-31, the intensive program gave 30 people between the ages of 13 and 18 hands-on exposure to the arts of theater, cinema, music, creative writing and literature, among others. The curriculum was carefully curated, grounded in a creative learning methodology. It comprised 126 hours of educational content, 28 expert speakers and 10 specialized workshops, and included collaborations with entities such as the Architecture and Design Commission, and the Museums Commission. Now in its fourth year, Ithra's Youth Summer Program is one of the center's flagship initiatives aimed at nurturing Saudi Arabia's emerging creatives. For 15-year-old Toleen Farea, the experience offered an invaluable chance to playfully explore her interests in a streamlined way. 'The program covered many cultural fields, and each day they introduced new experts and topics, like history,' Farea told Arab News. 'The cinema part was my favorite — we made a film from scratch, using professional cameras and microphones. 'I used to be shy about theater and acting, but being with peers my age made it feel natural. It was my first time meeting many of the other participants,' she said. 'The experience was really great. It felt good to step outside the school environment and meet new people — some from my city but with different backgrounds, and even some from other places.' Fahad Al-Qahtani, a 15-year-old from Dammam, agreed. 'This program was a cultural one, and honestly, the experience was really beautiful,' he told Arab News. 'It introduced us to so many fields — from museums and libraries to design studios and much more. I spent my vacation doing something genuinely fun and meaningful. 'It wasn't just about learning from others; we also had the chance to turn our own ideas into something real — instead of just following someone else's concept,' he added. 'One of the activities we did was pottery. We connected it to architecture and design — how a broken piece of pottery can be repaired and turned into something beautiful again. It was inspired by the Japanese technique kintsugi. That idea really stuck with me: Even something that's been shattered can be brought back and made beautiful. 'Before this, I only made simple videos on my phone — little things I'd post online on TikTok, but this program gave me real filmmaking skills. It taught me the basics of cinematography, lighting, sound, editing — a bit of everything, really. I got to learn hands-on, and I even started thinking about how films are made behind the scenes. 'We also worked on a film that we're presenting today. I directed it. It's about a social issue: Repetition and routine,' he said. 'I don't want to spoil the ending, but the message is about breaking free from routine before it traps you. The film is only three minutes long, but I hope it makes people think. 'There were five films made, each with its own director. I directed just one of them. I'm now a director,' he said with pride. Following the films, Ithra hosted a special panel discussion featuring Mansour Al-Badran of the Saudi Film Festival, which was hosted at Ithra earlier this spring. Al-Badran spoke directly with the young directors. He offered encouragement, shared professional insights from the Kingdom's growing film scene and asked the students thoughtful questions about their creative processes, as well as the challenges they faced while filming. Though most of the students who presented live on stage were natural speakers, some were slightly nervous and the audience applauded warmly when a few temporarily froze. The majority of the programming was in Arabic, although some English was sprinkled in. Zaina Hejles, who took part last year when she was 14, returned this summer wearing a light blue vest with the word 'volunteer.' She told Arab News: 'Through this closing ceremony today, we're expecting a recap of everything that's happened this entire month. Everything that the students worked really hard for, it's all being showcased today. From their hands-on work to the movies to the debates, all of it is summed up today.' Reflecting on last year, she said: 'My focus was about acting — I was a grandma in a play. It was an interpretation of the Japanese book (by author Toshikazu Kawaguchi) 'Before the Coffee Gets Cold.' It was just a short little play about how you should savor your time and how life moves on so fast so you have to cherish it. 'I enjoy actually every single part, everything that this program offers — from the acting to the writing, the music. That's why I decided to join, because it really covers all of my interests,' she said. 'After that, I created deep, deep connections with so many people and also even with myself. I found out that I like things that I never knew I liked. I never knew I'd be this good at writing. I wrote a play now and I'm hoping to submit it in the Saudi program for plays. 'This program really brings out stuff in the youth that they didn't know they had. 'It was actually my mother's idea to join last year — I did not want to do anything. I wanted to spend time at home like any other teenager, but she really pushed for me to join because she was like 'what are you going to do at home, just sit on your phone?' I was like 'yes, exactly',' she said. 'But I'm honestly really happy I joined and I'm even more happy that they (Ithra) called me back a second time, asking me to come volunteer because this really is one of the best experiences you can have as a teenager. You're not going to get these years back. For me to be able to relive these moments twice, it's really something special.' Students are only allowed to enroll once, as the curriculum is repeated. Many — like Hejles — choose to return as volunteers, something both Farea and Al-Qahtani hope to do next summer.
Arab News
28-07-2025
- Arab News
Bella Hadid gets nostalgic as she advocates for Palestine
DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid sent social media fluttering over the weekend when she shared a heartwarming carousel of rare childhood photos on Instagram. The 28‑year‑old delighted fans with snapshots from her early years. The series of images begins with Hadid dressed as a young cowgirl, sporting a straw hat and boots on what appears to be a farm-themed outing. A post shared by Bella (@bellahadid) In the carousel caption, Hadid referred to her 'inner baby bels,' adding, 'Huggin her today. Smiliest & happiest kid. Hated the camera. Has anything changed!? 'Oh and most importantly….in case you forgot…. FREE PALESTINE!!!!!! I know this little fire cracker would have been screaming it from the rooftops,' she added. Meanwhile, earlier this month, Hadid collaborated with Chopard as the brand shared new campaign images of the supermodel wearing pieces from its high jewelry collection ahead of Paris Couture Week. In one of the images, Hadid wears a diamond necklace featuring a large yellow gemstone at its center. In another, she wears a coordinated jewelry set consisting of sapphire and diamond drop earrings, a matching necklace, and a statement ring. '@BellaHadid embodies the essence of High Jewelery — radiant, refined, unforgettable. A tribute to timeless glamor ahead of Paris Couture Week,' the brand wrote on Instagram. The model's collaboration with Chopard began in 2017 when she became one of the faces of the brand's high jewelry collections. Since then, she has appeared in several campaigns and has worn Chopard pieces at major international events, including the Cannes Film Festival, Met Gala, and Paris Fashion Week. Hadid has had a busy summer. In June, with the help of close friends, she expanded her beauty brand Orebella with a range of accessories. The model and entrepreneur teamed up with Wildflower Cases co-founders Sydney and Devon Lee Carlson to launch a limited-edition collaboration featuring two new products: an iPhone case and a 'scentable wristlet.' Hadid took to Instagram to announce the launch, writing: 'Feeling like the luckiest girl in the world to be able to be creative with my beauty boss sisters. Life is beautiful when we have the opportunity to watch our friends winning. So proud of you two. So proud of our teams. So proud of us. Love you all — thank you for bringing this vision to life.'
