Latest news with #SaudiCinema
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Film Commission launches JAX Film Studios in Riyadh
CANNES — The Saudi Film Commission announced the launch of JAX Film Studios in Riyadh, a fully integrated, state-of-the-art production complex that is set to become one of the region's premier film and media production destinations. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the facility spans over 7,000 square meters and includes two 1,500-square-meter sound stages and a cutting-edge virtual production unit powered by Sony's latest screen technology. The studio will also feature a private cinema, reception and event spaces, and fully equipped areas for production preparation—catering to the evolving needs of modern filmmaking. 'JAX Film Studios represents a key milestone in our strategy to build a world-class cinema ecosystem in Saudi Arabia,' said Abdullah Al-Qahtani, CEO of the Film Commission. 'This facility is designed to empower local talent and attract global creatives while aligning with international production standards.' Abdul Jalil Al Nasser, Director General of Sector Development and Investment Attraction at the Film Commission, noted that the studio will host one of the most advanced virtual production platforms globally, offering limitless creative opportunities through Sony's latest technologies. The launch is part of the Film Commission's broader effort to invest in cinematic infrastructure, develop national talent, and establish strategic international partnerships—all in line with Vision 2030 goals to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for media and film production. The announcement was made during the Film Commission's participation in the 78th Cannes International Film Festival, where it hosted the Saudi pavilion. The pavilion drew significant international interest from filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arab News
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi producer Faisal Baltyuor appointed new CEO of Red Sea Film Foundation
DUBAI: Saudi Arabian film producer Faisal Baltyuor has been appointed CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, it was announced on Tuesday. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ The foundation oversees the Jeddah-based Red Sea Film Festival, the Red Sea Fund and Red Sea Labs. Baltyuor will replace acting CEO Mohammed Asseri from June 1. A post shared by Red Sea Film Foundation (@redseafilm) Baltyuor was previously the first head of Ithra Cinema, and founded the Saudi Arabia distributor CineWaves Films, which has the biggest library of Saudi films. He was previously CEO at Muvi Studios, the production arm of the Kingdom's biggest cinema chain. Last year, Baltyuor opened Cinehouse in Riyadh, the first arthouse cinema in the Kingdom. 'We wanted to create a place that feels like home, while showcasing the best of Saudi talent in both cinema and dining,' Baltyuor said in an earlier interview with Arab News. A producer for almost 20 years, Baltyuor executive-produced Saudi Arabia director Haifaa Al-Mansour's groundbreaking 'The Perfect Candidate,' which was launched in Venice in 2019, and comedy 'Sattar,' a local megahit. He is also a producer on the Saudi Netflix Original 'From the Ashes' which ranked among the top-10 most-watched films on the streamer across 40 countries. Baltyuor also co-produced Sudanese director Mohamed Kordofani's 'Goodbye Julia' which won the Prix de la Liberte at Cannes in 2023. The Red Sea Film Foundation's chairwoman Jomana Al-Rashid has praised Baltyuor. 'His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to unlocking the boundless potential of emerging talent will fuel not only artistic excellence but also the sustainable growth of our industry.' Baltyuor said he was 'committed to building on the success' of the foundation. 'Through our diverse programs, we will continue to support a thriving film industry both locally and internationally, in line with the ambitions of Vision 2030, which places the creative sector at the heart of national development.' The next edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival runs from Dec. 4 to 13 in Jeddah.
The National
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Ibrahim Al Hasawi was a pioneer of Saudi cinema – and now he's one of its biggest stars
Ibrahim Al Hasawi has dreamt of this moment for decades. The Saudi actor, 60, grew up hoping that some day his country's cinema would be recognised the world over. Now that it is finally happening, with streaming hits and festival accolades year after year, Al Hasawi has found himself not as merely an early pioneer but a central figure in the Saudi creative renaissance. He tells The National: 'It's amazing. In just a few short years, we've seen a major leap in Saudi filmmaking.' In April, Al Hasawi received a lifetime achievement award at the Saudi Film Festival, an accolade he does not take lightly. A lifelong film enthusiast, Al Hasawi started out in theatre before moving on to a prolific television career. Having acted in dozens of Gulf series, Al Hasawi is now starring in major film productions that are screened at festivals around the world. Speaking to The National, Al Hasawi says Saudi Arabia has come a long way since he was a budding young actor. 'In the early days, our theatre was male-dominated,' he explains. 'Female characters were rarely shown on stage, only mentioned, like: 'Where's your mother?' 'She's in the kitchen.' Or: 'Where's your sister?' 'She went to school.'' 'These characters existed only through dialogue, not presence. It was more like radio drama.' Al Hasawi credits the kingdom's Vision 2030 for revolutionising the arts in the past 10 years. 'We now have the Theatre Commission, the Film Commission, and the Visual Arts Commission. There's been a real transformation. Technology has entered the theatre scene. The current moment is exciting. I haven't done theatre in a while, but now I'm seriously considering it,' he says. Hobal is the latest film to star Al Hasawi. Set in 1990, weeks before the beginning of the Gulf War, it follows a Saudi family that still lives in the desert. Al Hasawi portrays the family's patriarch, a hard-headed hardliner who believes there is nothing good to be gained from living in the city and accepting the advancement of society. Al Hasawi said he was intrigued when the director Abdulaziz Al Shalahi called him about the role. 'He's strict but not heartless,' he says of his character, 'His values and convictions might not be 'right' by universal standards, but they define him. He's a classic elder figure, very much shaped by his own era and beliefs.' The film is equal parts period piece and family drama. The family elder has three sons – one who completely agrees with him on everything, a second who is beginning to doubt and a third who has abandoned the family and moved to the city. Al Hasawi says he has met people who lived like his character. He adds: 'I grew up in a village in Al Ahsa, and I knew people like him. They may not have been as strict, but many lived and died in the same village without ever leaving. 'I remember when radios first appeared – some people said Judgment Day was coming because 'iron had started speaking'.' Then with TV, people believed it was another sign of the apocalypse. My grandmother, may she rest in peace, would cover her face when a male news anchor came on screen. It was all so new and strange.' Saudi Arabia is now a major player in film production. Films from the kingdom have been screened at Cannes, Venice and other film festivals. Al Hasawi says this makes him very optimistic. 'I remember when we used to make short films with limited resources and no funding. But once the Film Commission was established, there was strong support – both for short and feature films,' he says. 'Now we have fantasy films, action, comedy – we're telling our stories. This is crucial – getting Saudi artistic voices out to the world. For years, we've watched international films in theatres or on TV. Now Saudi art is reaching global audiences.' Al Hasawi has appeared in 45 theatre productions, 90 television series and 15 films. He has not acted in a theatre production for a while, but misses the stage every day, likening the experience to being at a football match. 'Sure, you can watch it on TV, but being in the stadium is a completely different experience. It's immersive. The emotions of the crowd, the cheers, the reactions – all of that adds layers to the moment,' Al Hasawi says, 'Theatre is the same. When you're there, it's an event, a connection.'
