Latest news with #SaudiFilmNights
Broadcast Pro
03-06-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Saudi Film Commission highlights national cinema at SXSW London
As part of its participation the commission will screen a selection of short Saudi films under the Saudi Film Nights initiative. The Saudi Film Commission has participated in the first-ever European edition of the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival, which is taking place in London until June 7, 2025. The event, known for gathering leading professionals across the creative industries, offers a global platform for innovation and collaboration through a wide range of programming, including film and TV screenings, exhibitions, panel discussions, live performances and networking opportunities, according to a report by Saudi Press Agency. As part of its contribution, the Commission will present a curated programme of short Saudi films under the 'Saudi Film Nights' initiative, designed to introduce international audiences to Saudi storytelling and support the global visibility of emerging national talent. In addition, the Commission will host a panel discussion titled 'Empowering the Film Industry in Saudi Arabia: From Vision to Reality.' The session will delve into cinema's role in shaping national identity, preserving heritage, and advancing Saudi content as a powerful cultural tool. Inside the Saudi pavilion, visitors will find an exhibition highlighting the achievements of the Kingdom's burgeoning film industry. Featured works include films that have achieved notable box office success, been selected for international film festivals, or received global accolades—emphasising the sector's rapid growth and increasing international recognition. The Saudi Film Commission will be joined by several other creative bodies within the Kingdom, including the Music Commission, the Culinary Arts Commission, the Fashion Commission, and MOCX, offering a comprehensive display of Saudi Arabia's diverse cultural expressions. This collaborative presence at SXSW London reflects the Film Commission's strategic efforts to elevate the Kingdom's profile in global cinema, foster cross-cultural dialogue, and position Saudi Arabia as a leading creative hub in the region.
Arab News
03-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia makes bold debut at SXSW film festival in London
DUBAI: The SXSW Film Festival has begun in London, with the Saudi Film Commission hosting a series of exciting cultural events. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Originating in Austin, Texas, this is the South by Southwest festival's first edition in London — and notably, the Kingdom's debut at the renowned indie film showcase, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently. The Saudi Film Commission, in collaboration with SXSW, will present a curated selection of short films as a part of the 'Saudi Film Nights' initiative. Under the umbrella of Vision 2030, this program supports the Kingdom's broader effort to diversify its economy, with particular emphasis on growing its entertainment sector. The Kingdom's pavilion, known as The Sadu House, will also spotlight contributions from the Music Commission, Culinary Arts Commission, and Fashion Commission, showcasing Saudi Arabia's rich and diverse cultural landscape to a global audience. In addition, the commission will host a panel discussion titled 'Empowering the Film Industry in Saudi Arabia: From Vision to Reality.' The session will delve into cinema's role in shaping national identity, preserving heritage, and advancing Saudi content as a powerful cultural tool. Each day of the festival will feature a showcase of emerging Saudi talent. On June 3, for example, SXSW attendees will experience a taste of Saudi hip-hop with performances by SHANCOTY, and JEED — artists known for their unique blend of hip-hop flair, Afrobeat influences, and slow R&B tones. On June 4, the Kingdom will shift gears and present its underground heavy music scene with performances by death metal bands Wasted Land, Sijeel, and Gimmix, marking a bold introduction of Saudi rock to the SXSW stage. In addition to performances, festivalgoers can attend cultural panels featuring industry professionals from across the Arab world. Topics include female leadership, entrepreneurial ambition, and the evolution of Saudi Arabia's film industry. The opening panel on June 3 is titled 'Vision 2030: Cultural Opportunities for Social and Economic Transformation,' which will explore the potential of Saudi Arabia's cultural power. Day two will feature a session 'Fashion Future Platform: How Data Informs Investment Decisions,' offering a deep dive into the intersection of fashion and data-driven innovation. Another session on day two, 'WWD Female Empowerment – Challenges Facing Women Creatives in a Male-Dominated World,' will spotlight the obstacles and breakthroughs for women in the creative sector. Finally, day three will have a panel 'Sustainability – Challenges of Creating Green Fashion and Beauty in a Throwaway World,' which will underscore the need for sustainability in the industry.
Arab News
01-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Film Commission showcases cultural power of Saudi cinema at London festival
RIYADH: The Kingdom's Film Commission is participating in the first European edition of the SXSW Festival, which is being held in London from June 2-7, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The event is a global platform that brings together professionals and experts from various creative sectors through events such as panel discussions, musical and comedy performances, film and TV screenings, exhibitions, competitions, and networking opportunities. As part of its participation the commission will screen a selection of short Saudi films under the Saudi Film Nights initiative, aiming to showcase the Kingdom's storytelling and promote national talent to international audiences. It is also organizing a panel called 'Empowering the Film Industry in Saudi Arabia: From Vision to Reality,' which will explore cinema's role in shaping national identity, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting local content as a form of soft power. The commission will highlight the Kingdom's cinematic achievements through an exhibition at the country's pavilion featuring films that have sold more than 250,000 tickets, participated in top international festivals, or won global awards — underscoring the growth and international rise of the Saudi film industry. The commission forms a part of the Saudi pavilion alongside other creative sector entities, including the Music Commission, Culinary Arts Commission, and Fashion Commission, presenting a broad view of the Kingdom's cultural diversity. This participation reaffirms the Film Commission's commitment to expanding Saudi Arabia's global presence, empowering creative talent, and positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in cinema.
Saudi Gazette
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
‘Saudi Film Nights' launched in Mexico to spotlight national cinema
Saudi Gazette report MEXICO CITY — The Saudi Film Commission has announced the launch of Saudi Film Nights in Mexico from May 6 to 11, 2025, as part of its ongoing international outreach to promote Saudi cinema on the global stage. Following successful events in France, Morocco, Australia, China, and India, the Mexico edition will be held in three major cities — Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey — and will feature the screening of four Saudi films followed by interactive sessions with Saudi filmmakers and talent. In Guadalajara, the screenings will be hosted at the FICG Cineteca Theater, home to the Guadalajara International Film Festival and a renowned venue for international cinematic dialogue. In Monterrey, the event will take place at Cineteca Nuevo León, a key cultural institution known for its support of independent film and educational initiatives. Mexico City's Cineteca Nacional — considered one of the country's leading cinematic institutions — will host the capital's screenings, underlining the importance of the event in fostering cross-cultural exchange. The initiative aims to elevate Saudi film talent, highlight the creative diversity of the Kingdom's cinematic scene, and expand opportunities for collaboration between Saudi filmmakers and international industry professionals.
