Ithra Shines at Spain's "Concéntrico" Festival with Inspired Saudi Agricultural Heritage
The immersive installation 'Roots of Warmth' by Saudi artist Raghad Al-Ahmad explores life in nature. It was created in collaboration with over 50 female artisans from the city of Al-Jouf and draws inspiration from the artist's Hijazi roots, particularly in the city of Taif, where gathering under the shade of trees is a staple of rural life. In addition, Ithra unveiled a sensory experience titled 'Summer's Bounty' on June 19, 2025, developed by In-Class studio. This unique interactive experience celebrates the Saudi summer through the rich variety of local fruits and herbs.
Notably, the immersive installation revives the concept of connection, encouraging visitors to engage with and enter the space to experience a tribute to the deep relationship between agriculture, family bonds, and nature.
Cultural Heritage
This participation aligns with Ithra's efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage through various initiatives, including Islamic Art conferences, contemporary Islamic crafts exhibitions, and interactive experiences that emphasize discovery and engagement. Ithra opens the door for audiences of all ages to explore the creativity and knowledge embedded in craft traditions, both locally and globally, spreading the essence of Saudi identity to new audiences around the world.
Contemporary Artistic Vision
Noura Al-Zamil, Head of Programs at Ithra, stated that the center's participation reflects its mission to create a positive impact as a multidimensional cultural destination. She added:
'We are proud to present the remarkable work of artist Raghad Al-Ahmad at the Concéntrico Festival. Commissioning and showcasing this piece at one of Europe's most prominent design festivals embodies Ithra's ongoing support for the creative scene. This initiative offers Saudi artists and artisans a platform to share their voices and creativity with the world, enriching the global cultural landscape. Additionally, the installation 'Roots of Warmth' carries a distinctive national character and is presented through a contemporary artistic lens that radiates balance and harmony, fostering dialogue and cultural exchange among the festival's participants.' Architectural Dialogue
It is worth noting that this marks Ithra's second participation in the Concéntrico International Festival of Architecture and Design. The installation will be open to the public from June 19 to 24 in Plaza de la Diversidad in Logroño. Following its debut in Spain, 'Roots of Warmth' will travel to Saudi Arabia to be featured in the 2025 edition of Tanween—Saudi Arabia's flagship annual design event.
The festival celebrates global design excellence and highlights leading voices in creative innovation. Finally, the installation will return to Ithra, enriched by its interaction with a global audience, and will be reintroduced within a new local context—continuing a vibrant architectural dialogue that reflects the spirit and creative evolution of the Kingdom.
Related Topics :
Ithra Center to Celebrate 94th National Day with Exceptional Interactive Performances
Saudi FM Takes Part in GCC Ministerial Meeting in Kuwait
Saudi Artist Devotes Life to Documenting Al-Qatt Al-Asiri Art
Short link :
Post Views: 32
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Film Commission invites local filmmakers to submit for first-ever Oscar entry
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — For the first time, the Saudi Film Commission has opened submissions for filmmakers to put forward their own works for consideration as Saudi Arabia's entry to the 98th Academy Awards in the International Feature Film Award category, a process that was previously handled through direct nominations by the commission based on its own criteria. On Sunday, the commission announced the official rules, eligibility criteria, and selection process for the Kingdom's submission, aligning fully with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences regulations. The guidelines outline the formation of an independent selection committee, film eligibility requirements, and detailed submission instructions. The move is part of efforts to strengthen the presence of Saudi cinema in international forums and enhance the Kingdom's profile in the global film industry. The newly formed selection committee comprises independent film professionals and experts, operating under Academy rules to ensure transparency, fairness, and impartiality. Eligible submissions will undergo committee review and structured voting to choose the film that will represent Saudi Arabia. To qualify, films must be feature-length (over 40 minutes), predominantly in a non-English language (over 50 percent), and include accurate, legible English subtitles. The first theatrical release in Saudi Arabia must take place between Oct. 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025, with a qualifying commercial run of at least seven consecutive days with paid admission. Films cannot have been released on broadcast, cable, streaming, DVD, or similar platforms prior to the qualifying theatrical release. Creative control must be predominantly in the hands of Saudi citizens, residents, or individuals with recognized refugee or asylum status. Required submission materials include: A digital upload of the film and a secure, password-protected viewing link Full cast and credits list in English Director's biography and photograph A designated key frame for display artwork Proof of qualifying theatrical release and advertisements Full rules and eligibility details are available on the Academy's website: Inquiries and submissions should be sent to: [email protected]
Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Film Commission announces 2025 Oscars International Feature Film Award rules and selection process
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Film Commission announced on Sunday the official rules, eligibility criteria, and selection process for Saudi Arabia's submission to the 98th Academy Awards in the International Feature Film Award category. These procedures fully adhere to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences regulations and provide comprehensive details on committee formation, film eligibility, and submission instructions for filmmakers seeking consideration. This undertaking is part of the commission's efforts to strengthen the presence of Saudi cinema in international forums and enhance the Kingdom's position in the global film industry. The commission has formed a selection committee composed of independent film industry professionals and experts. The committee operates in accordance with the guidelines of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, ensuring transparency, fairness, and impartiality in the selection process. All eligible submissions will be reviewed and discussed by the committee members, who will participate in a structured voting process to select the film that will represent Saudi Arabia. To be considered for the International Feature Film Award, submissions must meet the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' official criteria. Films must be a feature-length motion picture, with over 40 minutes and be predominantly in a non-English language with more than 50 percent. All submissions must also include accurate and legible English subtitles. The film's first theatrical release in Saudi Arabia must occur between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. This release must be a qualifying commercial run of at least seven consecutive days with paid admission. Films must not have been publicly exhibited or distributed via broadcast, cable, streaming, DVD, or similar platforms prior to their qualifying theatrical release. Creative control of the film must be predominantly in the hands of Saudi citizens, residents, or individuals with recognized refugee or asylum status. Filmmakers representing Saudi Arabia and seeking consideration for its official entry to the 98th Academy Awards must ensure their films meet all eligibility requirements, including a qualifying theatrical release in Saudi Arabia within the specified timeframe. The following materials must be submitted: A digital upload of the film for streaming purposes, a secure and password-protected link to the film, a full cast and credits list in English, director's biography and photograph, a designated key frame for streaming display artwork, and proof of qualifying theatrical release and advertisements. Details on the official rules and eligibility requirements are available on the academy's website: For all inquiries and submission, the commission urged to contact: [email protected]
Leaders
3 days ago
- Leaders
Saudi Thriller ‘Al-Majhula' to Premiere at Toronto International Film Festival
Saudi filmmaker Haifaa Al-Mansour's latest film, Al-Majhula, has been chosen to premier at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025. This achievement highlights Saudi Arabia's growing presence on the global cinematic stage. Al-Majhula will screen in the prestigious Centerpiece section, which celebrates bold and unique voices worldwide. The film blends suspense and social commentary, exploring a society undergoing cultural change. A Modern Crime Thriller with a Strong Message The movie follows the investigation of a teenage girl's body found in a remote desert. Nuwaila Al-Suffan, a recently divorced woman passionate about true crime, leads the case. She challenges societal indifference and faces institutional pressure to dismiss the investigation. This film marks Al-Mansour's third feature, after Wadjda (2012) and The Perfect Candidate (2018), with both films gaining international recognition and broke barriers for Saudi cinema. A New Direction in Saudi Cinema Al-Majhula signals a shift toward more mainstream, thriller-driven stories in Saudi filmmaking. Yet, it continues to emphasize themes of female agency and social change. Actress Mila Al-Zahrani, who starred in The Perfect Candidate, returns for this project. The supporting cast includes Shafi Al-Harthi and Aziz Al-Gharbawi. In addition to TIFF, Al-Majhula is expected to feature at other global festivals this fall. The film will also release commercially in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region soon. This selection underscores Saudi cinema's rising influence and commitment to telling impactful, diverse stories. Short link : Post Views: 21
