Latest news with #Al-Hasawi
The National
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Saudi Film Festival concludes with awards ceremony and honours screen veteran
The 11th Saudi Film Festival concluded on Wednesday evening, wrapping up a week-long event with a closing ceremony at the Ithra Theatre. The Golden Palm Awards were presented for the official competitions at the event, accompanied by the screening of a documentary honouring this year's celebrated artist, Ibrahim Al-Hasawi. With a career that spans four decades, Al-Hasawi has appeared in 45 theatre productions, 90 television series and 15 films. Upon receiving the award, Al-Hasawi said it was the 'honour of my career'. He also sang the praises of Saudi cinema and the large strides it has taken over the past 10 years, adding that it will reach global audiences and international acclaim. The theme of this year's festival was 'Stories Seen and Told', placing a strong emphasis on identity cinema. A wide range of films delved into themes of memory, belonging and a sense of place, offering perspectives that were personal, social and artistically rich. In the feature film competition, My Driver & I, directed by Ahd Kamel, took home the Golden Palm for Best Feature Film, standing out among strong contenders such as Hobal by Abdulaziz Al-Shalahi and Siwar by Osama Al Khurayji. The film tells the story of a young woman in Jeddah who forms an unexpected bond with her driver as they connect over shared aspirations. His journey mirrors her own, shaped by the challenges of leaving his family behind in Sudan and navigating the limitations placed on women in Saudi Arabia. The Best Acting award was presented to Meshal Al-Mutairi for his performance in Hobal. Actors Rola Dakhil Allah and Fahid Al-Yami were given honourable mentions. The Iraqi film Songs of Adam, directed by Oday Rasheed, was awarded Best Gulf Feature Film, while Hobal, Siwar and Thuqoub earned honourable mentions. Mera, Mera, Mera by Khalid Zaidan earned the Golden Palm in the short film category, competing against Two Sisters by Waleed Alqahtani and The Last Dismissal by Jawaher Alamari. The Abdullah Al-Muhaisen Award for Best First Film went to Sharshura by Ahmed Alnasser, winning ahead of Gum by Bilal AlBader and Saeed's Day by Mohammed AlZuwairi. Delusion by Issa Salem Hamad Al-Subhi was named the Best Gulf Short Film, while Othman in the Vatican by Yasir bin Ghanem secured the Golden Palm in the documentary film category, surpassing strong entries such as Market Dynamo and Sarih. Othman in the Vatican first screened at Red Sea Film Festival and follows Othman Al-Khozaim, a seasoned Saudi painter who receives a scholarship to study design in Rome. In 2019, he was invited to return to Italy to present Letters without Words, an exhibition of his work visited by Pope Francis. The Jabal Tuwaiq Award was presented to the best film about a Saudi city, and went to Qarn Al-Manazil by Misha'al Al-Thubaiti, while The Dark Side of Japan by Bahraini YouTube star Omar Farooq took home the top prize in the Gulf documentary film category. The judging panels featured filmmakers and critics from both Saudi Arabia and the international community. The feature film jury was chaired by Moroccan-French director Ismael Ferroukhi, with Canadian scholar Laura Marks and Saudi director Walaa Bahefzallah serving as members. The short film jury was led by Japanese director Ken Ochiai, with Saudi writer-director Layaly Badr and Saudi director Musab Al-Omari as jurors. The documentary film jury was headed by Egyptian director Marianne Khoury, with Saudi producer-director Faisal Al-Otaibi and French director Sylvie Ballyot completing the panel. The festival concluded by awarding 40 prizes from 16 sponsors, totalling 2,557,500 Saudi riyals ($681,842). The prizes were distributed among Saudi and Gulf film projects in various stages of development and production. The film Green Corpse won the MBC Academy and Shahid Platform Award, valued at SAR 150,000 ($39,990). Since 2022, the Saudi Film Festival has been organised by the Cinema Association in collaboration with the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra) and with support from the Saudi Film Commission.
Arab Times
08-03-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait leads MENA region in achieving 90-90-90 HIV targets: UN
GENEVA, March 8: Kuwait's permanent delegation to Geneva highlighted the country's significant progress in combating the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at the national level, according to United Nations reports. This success is largely attributed to the expansion of free, confidential voluntary testing and the provision of preventive treatments both before and after exposure to infection. The statement was delivered by Diplomatic Attaché Sarah Al-Hasawi on behalf of the State of Kuwait at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, during a panel discussion on combating HIV. Al-Hasawi outlined that Kuwait has led the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in achieving the 90-90-90 targets. These indicators mean that 90% of people living with HIV are aware of their infection, 90% of those diagnosed are receiving antiretroviral treatment, and 90% of those receiving treatment have an undetectable viral load in their blood. She also emphasized that Kuwait is making steady progress toward the next goal, the 95-95-95 indicators, as part of its national strategy to combat AIDS. Additionally, Al-Hasawi noted that Kuwait has allowed the employment of individuals living with HIV in jobs that do not pose a risk to their health or others, ensuring their full integration into society. She stressed that Kuwait has adopted premarital medical examinations as part of its strategy to enhance health prevention. The country continues to implement widespread awareness campaigns to fight social stigma and encourage individuals to get tested, particularly in schools and universities, to promote effective prevention efforts. On the international front, Al-Hasawi highlighted Kuwait's ongoing support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, with contributions totaling $27 million over the past 20 years. These funds have been crucial in ensuring equitable access to treatment and supporting the global effort to eliminate AIDS by 2030. In conclusion, Al-Hasawi reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to the belief that the right to health is a fundamental human right. She emphasized that combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic requires non-discrimination, the preservation of dignity, and the protection of the privacy of those infected. Furthermore, she called for a unified global response to tackle the virus comprehensively.
Leaders
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Wrth, Riyadh Metro Celebrate Saudi Founding Day with Traditional Arts Showcase
The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) and Riyadh Metro, under the supervision of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, have partnered to celebrate Saudi Founding Day with a vibrant showcase of traditional arts. From February 21 to 24, selected Riyadh Metro stations will be transformed into cultural hubs, featuring live demonstrations, special giveaways, and insights into the iconic Saudi bisht, the traditional men's cloak. As part of the celebration, over a thousand handmade bracelets—designed with patterns inspired by the Al-Hasawi bisht—are being distributed at six key Riyadh Metro stations: KAFD Station, National Museum Station, STC Station, Ministry of Education Station, SABIC Station, and Al Naseem Station. Wrth, a leading advocate for national heritage, is committed to preserving and promoting traditional Saudi arts both locally and globally. The institute actively supports artisans, nurtures emerging talent, and fosters the mastery of traditional crafts. Finally, Wrth and Riyadh Metro are offering passengers a unique and immersive cultural experience, deepening their connection to the Kingdom's rich heritage in celebration of Saudi Founding Day. Related Topics : Riyadh Metro Serves 18 mln Passengers since Inauguration 'Art of the Kingdom': First Travelling Exhibition for Contemporary Art to Kick off on Feb. 25 Exclusive Interview: Al-Shamasy Briefs Tourism Growth, Boost for Travel Equipment 'Art of the Kingdom': First Travelling Exhibition for Contemporary Art to Kick off on Feb. 25 Short link : Post Views: 20
Arab News
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
The 11th Saudi Film Festival returns in April
DHAHRAN: The 11th Saudi Film Festival will take place from April 17 to 24 at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, also known as Ithra, in Dhahran. Organized by the Cinema Association, in partnership with Ithra and supported by the Film Commission of the Ministry of Culture, this year's festival includes screenings, educational events and networking opportunities. The theme for this edition is 'Cinema of Identity,' exploring how film reflects and shapes individual, national and cultural identity. The program will feature a mix of local and international films, with a particular focus on how these works navigate the complexities of identity in a globalized world. The films selected for this program will examine how identity is influenced by heritage, cities and personal experiences, and highlight the challenges and transformations that individuals and societies undergo in response to these influences. This year's festival will honor Ibrahim Al-Hasawi, one of Saudi Arabia's most renowned actors, whose legacy spans over three decades. Al-Hasawi has been an influential figure in Saudi entertainment, contributing to numerous theatrical productions, TV shows like 'Tash Ma Tash' and 'Bayni Wa Baynak,' and films such as 'Hajjan,' 'Zero Distance,' and the recent 'Hobal.' The festival will celebrate his immense contributions to the arts and his significant role in shaping Saudi cinema. In addition to the spotlight on Saudi cinema, the 11th Saudi Film Festival will feature a special program focused on Japanese cinema. This segment will showcase a selection of independent Japanese films, offering audiences a chance to experience Japan's unique cinematic traditions and cultural identity. The Japanese program will further enhance the festival's mission to foster cross-cultural dialogue and broaden the perspectives of Saudi audiences. Throughout the festival, attendees will have the chance to immerse themselves in a wide range of activities beyond just screenings. There will be panel discussions with industry experts, offering insights into the future of Saudi cinema and the evolving role of identity in filmmaking. Masterclasses will be conducted by seasoned filmmakers and industry professionals, covering key aspects of the filmmaking process such as directing, cinematography and scriptwriting. The festival will also provide opportunities for one-on-one meetings with experts, where filmmakers can receive personalized feedback and advice on their projects. For those looking to take their work further, private pitching sessions will be available, giving filmmakers the chance to present their ideas to potential investors and distributors. Additionally, book signings will give audiences the chance to meet authors and filmmakers who have contributed to the festival, deepening their understanding of the creative processes behind the films. Tickets can be purchased on the Ithra website.
Arab Times
30-01-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait aims to cut childhood obesity to 3% by 2030
KUWAIT CITY, Jan 30: Dr. Munther Al-Hasawi, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Public Health Affairs, affirmed the ministry's efforts to reduce the prevalence of obesity among Kuwaiti children under the age of five to 3% by 2030. Speaking to KUNA during the Dasma Health City Walkathon held on Thursday at the Hassan Abul Sports Center, under the patronage of Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, Dr. Al-Hasawi emphasized the ministry's commitment to supporting such sporting events that promote the health and safety of society and foster a culture of healthy living. Dr. Al-Hasawi explained that the ministry is involved in several projects aimed at promoting sports and physical activity, including the National Health Cities Project, the initiative to eliminate childhood obesity, and efforts to reduce physical inactivity and prevent chronic diseases. He also praised the collaboration between various state agencies, such as the Public Authority for Sports and the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, in working toward these goals. He noted that the Kuwait 2035 vision includes initiatives to promote physical activity, such as the completion of 14 sports clubs, the establishment of girls' clubs, and the expansion of youth and sports centers. Dr. Al-Hasawi highlighted the benefits of daily brisk walking, which can help maintain a healthy weight, control and prevent many diseases, improve cardiovascular fitness, enhance muscle endurance, increase energy levels, and strengthen the immune system. Ahmad Al-Radhan, Head of Dasma Health City, also spoke with KUNA, emphasizing that the goal of the Walkathon was to encourage walking as a lifestyle, which contributes to better public health, enhanced mental health, improved physical fitness, and the reduction of chronic diseases. Al-Radhan noted the participation of various groups in the event, including local residents and supporters of sports activities. The day also featured games for children and the elderly, and Dasma Health City regularly organizes cultural and awareness events throughout the year. Dr. Abbas Al-Tarrah, Head of the "Trainers Without Borders" team, expressed his happiness to participate in the sports day and accompanying exhibition. He shared that the team specializes in professional training across various fields, including general health, psychological well-being, and nutrition, through workshops and consultations. Dr. Al-Tarrah praised the cooperation of participants, highlighting the significance of educating Kuwaiti society to improve quality of life, promote sports, and encourage healthy lifestyles. He concluded by mentioning that his team organizes many activities throughout the year, including conferences, seminars, and workshops, all aimed at reducing obesity rates, controlling chronic diseases, and improving overall public health.
