Short film ‘Community Service' to world premiere at Saudi Film Festival
Produced in tandem with Fawaz Gadri and Salem Shabl of Mazallah Studios, this short film stars Zara Al Balushi alongside Yasser Al Harbi.
Saudi filmmaker Jaafar Al Ghalib's latest short film, Community Service, will have its world premiere in the Official Competition of the 11th Saudi Film Festival, taking place from April 17 to 23 at the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra).
The drama follows Sultan, a man on the verge of losing his job, who takes drastic measures to protect himself—only to discover he's been caught in a larger revenge plot masterminded by his manager, Salwa, targeting a corrupt businessman controlling her life.
Community Service is produced in collaboration with Fawaz Gadri and Salem Shabl of Mazallah Studios, with Al Ghalib directing and Salem Shabl serving as writer and producer. The cast features Zara Al Balushi and Yasser Al Harbi, with cinematography by Akbar Ali, editing by Khaled Faisal, and a score composed by Ziad Al-Anzi. MAD Distribution is managing the film's sales and distribution.
Al Ghalib shared his enthusiasm for working with Mazallah Studios and revealed that Community Service is inspired by the writings of celebrated author Abdulwahab Al-Sayed Al-Rifai. 'For nearly nine years, I've dreamed of adapting his work,' he said. 'This film is my way of introducing his voice to a wider audience and honouring his fans.'
A rising figure in Saudi cinema, Al Ghalib has previously directed three short films and co-written a fourth. A member of Jeddah's Alwan Cinematic Club, Community Service marks his professional directorial debut.
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