Just sixteen years ago, when public cinemas were not permitted in Saudi Arabia and the international film industry had not fully acknowledged a Saudi presence at its festivals and markets, the Saudi Cinema Association was at work on underground events, organizing local film screenings and debates on film and art.
Today, what a different Saudi filmscape stretches out in front of us. This month the Cinema Association is celebrating the 10th edition of the Saudi Film Festival, which is taking place in the Eastern Province city of Dhahran. Playing a significant role in modernizing the film and cultural scene in Saudi Arabia, the festival supports, finances and develops filmmaking projects from the Kingdom. Most importantly, it offers a showcase of new movies aimed at an audience hungry for more access to culture and art, who demand a greater presence in the international film scene.
Founded by artistic director Ahmed Al-Mulla, the festival has become an attraction for young audiences from across the Arab Gulf, and has made steady progress in rising to the top of regional festivals in the Middle East.
The Film Verdict met with Nada Alhaidan, Programs Manager of the Saudi Film Festival, who talked about this year’s focus on Indian cinema and the festival’s mission to support local cinema.
The Film Verdict: From May 2 to 9, the festival’s 10th edition unfolds. Are there any special events or initiatives that will take place to celebrate the anniversary?
Nada Alhaidan: The first special thing is the celebration of the festival’s success up to its tenth edition: everyone feels it and sees the size of this edition compared to the previous ones. Additionally, there is an expansion and diversification of the program that is being held for the first time at the festival, such as films from India in our Spotlight on Indian Cinema, as well as hosting independent global films under the Science Fiction Hub program.
TFV: What role would you like the Saudi Film Festival to play in supporting the local Saudi film scene and regional Arab cinema?
NA: The Saudi Film Festival is considered the primary platform for Saudi filmmakers as it provides a venue to showcase their works. Additionally, the festival focuses on and pays special attention to local talent primarily. We also work in the production market to encourage companies to offer prizes for projects that qualify for the competition, thereby promoting increased production and reducing the challenges facing local projects. Today we are celebrating the festival reaching its tenth edition despite all the challenges it has faced. We are also pleased with the support from all parties involved, as we consistently work together towards the same goal.
TFV: Why did you choose India to focus on this year? And how many films will be screened in the festival?
NA: We chose to start this global program in Asia, where we find a significant similarity between Arab and Indian cinema. We would like to inaugurate this program by showcasing independent Indian films and hosting a number of wonderful stars from India. In addition, this year, 75 films will be shown at the Saudi Film Festival, including Saudi, Indian, and international films from Britain and Canada that fall under the science fiction category.
TFV: Do you feel that there’s competition between the Saudi Film Festival and the other big film event in the KSA, the relatively new Red Sea Festival?
NA: We have a very good relationship with the Red Sea Film Festival, and there is no competition. On the contrary, we try to complement our roles as festivals in the Kingdom according to our directions. The Saudi Film Festival focuses on local content, while the Red Sea Film Festival plays its global role. We are always present at each other’s events and will continue to do so.
TFV: You are one of the female artists and culture managers who are participating in the ongoing Saudi boom in culture. What does this mean to you?
NA: I believe I am very fortunate to find such great opportunities in my country, that I am happy to achieve in line with its vision. I also confirm that I continuously feel all these available opportunities are evolving and clear.
