Latest news with #SaudiCinemaAssociation
Asharq Al-Awsat
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
21 Short Films to Compete at Saudi Film Festival
The Saudi Film Festival announced on Monday the participation of 21 short films in its competition lineup, produced by Saudi, Gulf, and Arab filmmakers. The 11th edition of the festival, organized by the Saudi Cinema Association in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) and supported by the Film Commission, will be held in Dhahran from April 17 to 23. It will feature a variety of topics and themes addressing loss, internal transformations, personal memories, and social experiences reflecting daily life in all its details. The films showcase a broad range of storytelling and visual styles, with a mix of realist, experimental, personal, and socially driven narratives. Several of the participating films will have their international premieres at the festival this year. The competition will be judged by a jury of distinguished professionals with diverse expertise in directing, screenwriting, and content development.
CairoScene
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Saudi Cinema Association & Ithra Unveil Saudi Film Festival Highlights
This year's festival will feature 68 screenings, including 36 feature, short, and documentary films from Saudi and the Gulf region, all woven together by the unifying theme of 'Cinema of Identity'. The Saudi Cinema Association and the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra) have unveiled the highlights for the 11th edition of the Saudi Film Festival, the longest-running festival of its kind in the Kingdom. Scheduled to take place from April 17th to the 23rd, the festival is supported by the Film Commission and will showcase 68 screenings, including 36 feature, short, and documentary films from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. Under the theme 'Cinema of Identity', films screened at Saudi Film Festival will delve into themes of individual, national and diverse cultural identities, exploring their complexities and transformations. This year, the festival expands its global footprint by featuring 12 short films from Arab and international filmmakers, presented in collaboration with the world-renowned Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in France. Additionally, in partnership with Japan's Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia, audiences can experience screenings of eight Japanese feature and short films, accompanied by discussions with Japanese filmmakers. 'Many of these films will screen for the first time at the festival,' notes Vice President of Saudi Film Festival, Mansour Al-Badran. Beyond screenings, the festival's program will feature a cultural symposium, delving into themes of individual, national, and diverse cultural identities, exploring their complexities and transformations. Returning this year is the festival's Production Market, which will showcase 22 projects from 22 different exhibitors in Ithra's Great Hall. Unlike production markets at other international festivals, this one is exclusively dedicated to the Saudi film industry, offering unique opportunities for filmmakers to connect with industry professionals. 'Ithra has increased the number of screens to ensure greater accessibility to the films,' Al-Badran added. As in previous years, the festival will continue to incorporate script-development workshops for short and feature-length screenplays, including advisory sessions with industry mentors. 'The Festival acts as an exceptional platform for filmmakers to present their cinematic creativity and bring their stories to audiences,' Ahmed Al-Mulla, Saudi Film Festival Director, said. 'It offers a diverse selection of films and programmes focusing on successful production experiences in the cinematic landscape, allowing attendees to engage with and learn from industry professionals.' The festival will culminate in an awards ceremony, recognising excellence across multiple categories. A total of 285 films have been submitted for the film awards, 116 for the production and market competition and 313 scripts for the unproduced screenplay competition.
CairoScene
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Saudi Film Festival Explores Identity Through Heritage & Cinema
Saudi and international filmmakers will explore identity through heritage, urban life and personal experiences. The 11th edition of Saudi Film Festival will take place from April 17th to the 24th, 2025, at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran. Organised by the Saudi Cinema Association, in collaboration with Ithra and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, the festival will feature screenings, workshops and industry networking forums. This year's theme, 'Cinema of Identity', will explore personal, national, and cultural narratives through film. Entries from Saudi and international filmmakers will examine identity through heritage, urban life and individual experiences, reflecting broader societal transformations. The festival will honour Ibrahim Al-Hasawi, an actor with over 30 years in Saudi entertainment. His work spans television, theatre and cinema, including roles in 'Tash Ma Tash', 'Bayni Wa Baynak', 'Hajjan', 'Zero Distance' and 'Hobal'. A special segment will spotlight Japanese independent cinema, fostering cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Japan. Masterclasses led by filmmakers will cover directing, cinematography and scriptwriting, while industry panels will discuss the evolving landscape of Saudi cinema. Filmmakers will have opportunities to pitch projects to investors, participate in private mentorship sessions, and engage in book signings with authors and directors.
Leaders
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Celebrating Identity: Ithra to Host 11th Saudi Film Festival in April
The 11th Saudi Film Festival will run from April 17–24, 2025, at Dhahran's King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra). Organized by the Saudi Cinema Association and Ithra, with the Saudi Film Commission support, the event blends screenings, workshops, and networking forums. This year's theme, 'Cinema of Identity,' explores how films shape personal, national, and cultural narratives. Local and international entries will dissect identity through heritage, urban life, and individual journeys, spotlighting societal transformations. Honoring a Legend This year, the festival proudly honors beloved Ibrahim Al-Hasawi, a renowned actor, who was a pillar of Saudi entertainment for 30+ years, elevating the entertainment with his powerful performances. He inspires creativity through theatrical productions, television shows like Tash Ma Tash and Bayni Wa Baynak, and engaging film projects like Hajjan, Zero Distance and Hobal, redefining Saudi cinema and theater. Spotlight on Japanese Cinema Furthermore, a special program highlights Japan's independent films, bridging Saudi and Japanese cultural traditions. This segment aims to spark cross-cultural dialogue and broaden audience perspectives. Seasoned filmmakers will lead masterclasses on directing, cinematography, and scriptwriting. Industry experts will also host panels on Saudi cinema's evolving role. Filmmakers can pitch projects to investors or seek one-on-one mentorship during private sessions. Book signings with authors and directors will deepen insights into creative processes. Attendees can purchase tickets via Ithra's website, securing access to this cultural milestone. Short link : Post Views: 10
