JEDDAH: Just like many Saudi children who grew up in the 90s, Arabic dubbed Japanese animations influenced Mohammad Makki as a child and paved the way for his filmmaking career.
Makki, 28, is a Saudi filmmaker with Indonesian roots. He got into the Comic Con world when he was around the age of 6, as he used to read manga comics such as “Dragon Ball Z” in Indonesian, in addition to watching Arabic dubbed Japanese anime cartoons “Plawers Sanshiro,” “Future Boy Conan” and “Romeo’s Blue Skies.”
Makki is filming his new comic show named “Mas7our” or “Bewitched.” He is also the director and producer of the YouTube show “Takki,” a Saudi TV drama centered on the lives of six characters living in Jeddah, and is currently working on the third and final season.
The concept of “Mas7our” was inspired the well-known X-Men character.
“The idea came when I was chilling with my friends and we talked about why there is no Saudi superhero,” Makki said. “We want to create a story that has a universal theme with a local Saudi touch.”
The idea of “Mas7our” was born and will soon come to light with the help of his friends Bador Al-Hethell, Jotaro, and Adham Adel, Makki said in an exclusive interview with Arab News.
Makki does not want capes made of shimagh (headwear for men) nor sirwal and fanelah (traditional underwear for men) as a costume. “We want Mas7our to be a simple concept with compelling and rich characters with superpowers.”
The story will set in modern day Jeddah, where the events will take place between the young Saudis and the clergies or religious police.
The story will show how these two groups of people work together on solving the mystery of a sudden wave of superpowers.
“Of course, like any other drama it needs obstacles and conflict between them, but nothing to an extent that would cause controversies or divides in the real life,” Makki said.
Every group will be presented decently, as no group will be presented in a demeaning way. Makki revealed that the show will have dark moments, but, like any other drama, it all will be resolved.
“It’s a choice between normal life and extraordinary life,” Makki added.
“It’s a choice between being extremely talented and not. It’s a choice between following your deep beliefs and others. Between what you want to do and what you should do. Between what you personally want and what the world needs.”
Makki has never participated in any comic con event before, but he attended Dubai’s Middle East Film & Comic Con Festival (MEFCC) in 2015.
Makki was thrilled to receive the invitation to speak at Saudi Comic Con, which kicks off Thursday. “It is overwhelming,” he said. “It makes me proud and happy. (I) hope it happens every year, as it gives the boys and girls (the opportunity) to create and show their work.”
Makki said that he is not very much involved in the local comic community, but he knows Mohammad Tamimi from Madinah who writes and distributes a Shonen Jump Comic journal (manga anthology) published in Saudi Arabia, where there are three small manga stories in one book and collaborating with other manga creators, according to Makki who is fascinated by his work.
As for the international celebrity guests who will be joining the first Saudi Comic Con event, Makki expressed his excitement about meeting the three announced celebrities: Mads Mikkelsen, Julian Glover and Giancarlo Esposito. “I’m honored to see them. We watch these guys on TV all our lives and [now] we get to see them in real life. It’s too good to be true. Hopefully, in the near future, they’d even film productions here in Saudi.”
Every Saudi child has grown up watching Japanese animations dubbed in Arabic, and Makki is expecting a good number of people to show up for the three-day event.
One of Makki’s biggest supporters is his wife who is also a filmmaker studying at Effat University. He sees a potential talent in his wife. “She’s becoming excellent in her skills every day. [She is] very passionate, always trying new things,” he said proudly about his life partner who also shares the same passion.
“She will be someone really great in the Saudi film industry one day.”
Makki advised comic amateurs who aspire to get their works out there to keep creating and posting their works on Instagram. Making money, in the beginning, may be not an option, but they should never neglect their creation. “Have a job somewhere else, keep creating on the side and share it with the world. Work hard on it that one day it becomes your full-time job,” he said.
Saudi Arabia's first Comic Con to highlight local talent Thursday
Saudi Arabia's first Comic Con to highlight local talent Thursday
Young Saudi rug makers weave kaleidoscope of dreams
- Bassam Al-Khalifi, Saud Al-Rasheed master the art of tufting rugs
RIYADH: In the wake of the pandemic Bassam Al-Khalifi and Saud Al-Rasheed transformed their isolation into creativity, leading to the birth of Ghazlah Studio — a hub for unique, hand-tufted rugs.
The Saudi men’s story is not just about artistry but a testament to how challenging times can inspire innovation and passion.
Al-Khalifi’s journey began when he sought to decorate his room. Frustrated by the lack of appealing rugs in the market, he decided to create his own.
“I wanted something different, so I ordered the equipment and dedicated a year to learning how to tuft,” he told Arab News. What started as a personal project quickly evolved into a larger vision.
Initially, neither Al-Khalifi, an artist and designer, nor Al-Rasheed, an avid art collector, had any experience in weaving. They faced a steep learning curve but were undeterred.
“We took six months to learn how to conceive designs, source materials, and weave the rugs,” Al-Khalifi explained.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The journey of Ghazlah Studio began when Bassam Al-Khalifi, frustrated by the lack of appealing rugs in the market, decided to create his own.
• Their debut collection titled ‘Color as a Scene’ evokes a range of emotions, reflecting the complex sentiments many experienced during the pandemic.
They experimented with various techniques, ultimately settling on a “cut and loop” method using 100 percent acrylic yarn. This approach stands in contrast to traditional Arabian carpet-making methods which often utilize wool and time-honored designs.
Their learning process was filled with challenges, but their determination pushed them forward.
Al-Khalifi pored over tutorials, consulted with experts, and practiced tirelessly. Al-Rasheed, with his keen eye for aesthetics, contributed by curating color palettes and design concepts.
What started as a hobby soon blossomed into a commercial venture. With their rugs gaining traction, Al-Khalifi and Al-Rasheed launched Ghazlah, featuring a debut collection titled “Color as a Scene.”
The collection evokes a range of emotions, reflecting the complex sentiments many experienced during the pandemic. “I wanted to splash all these emotions on the piece itself,” Al-Khalifi said. The vibrant tapestries of feelings capture the essence of joy, nostalgia, and hope.
The vibrance of their work makes a statement piece in any room. Each piece is unique, with some featuring Saudi themes that enhance their significance and appeal. The artists also draw inspiration from their heritage, incorporating traditional motifs and modern designs, creating a fusion that resonates with a broad audience.
In Ghazlah’s Riyadh workshop, the atmosphere is filled with creativity and energy. The walls are lined with neatly organized shelves filled with spools of yarn in every imaginable color. There are some of Al-Khalifi’s paintings and rugs still in progress, showcasing their journey.
Al-Rasheed gestured around the space, saying: “This place is full of rugs that we made but decided not to sell. Why? Because we love them. I’m trying to push Al-Khalifi to sell them, but he won’t.”
Ghazlah Studio has made a notable impact in Riyadh, showcasing creations in three galleries. Their work has garnered attention not just locally but also from international platforms, leading to collaborations with major brands such as Vogue and Sephora.
These partnerships have elevated their profile and allowed them to reach a wider audience with which they can share their artistry and craftsmanship.
The duo’s success can also be attributed to their innovative marketing strategies. They leverage social media to share their creative process, engage with customers, and build a community around their brand.
By showcasing behind-the-scenes footage, they invite their audience into their world, allowing them to witness the transformation of raw materials into stunning art pieces.
As they continue to grow, Al-Khalifi and Al-Rasheed are committed to exploring new design possibilities, as well as looking into creating home decor items. They plan to expand their collections, experimenting with different textures, materials, and techniques.
From a simple idea born during quarantine to a noteworthy business, Ghazlah Studio continues to make waves in the art scene, proving that even in isolation, inspiration can thrive.
As they weave their stories into every rug, Al-Khalifi and Al-Rasheed invite us all to find beauty and meaning in our own creative pursuits.
Hail governor inaugurates Middle East’s largest salmon production center
- The 10,000-square-meter facility features the latest marine technology
HAIL: Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, the governor of Hail, inaugurated the Excellence Center for Salmon Production on Saturday, the largest facility of its kind in the Middle East.
A collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and King Abdulaziz University, the center aims to produce 100,000 tons of salmon annually, bolstering Saudi Arabia’s food security and aquaculture sector, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The 10,000-square-meter facility features the latest marine technology, including recirculating aquaculture systems and aquaponics units, which integrate fish and vegetable production.
It is designed to reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on salmon imports, currently at 23,000 tons per year.
Prince Abdulaziz hailed the project as a cornerstone of Vision 2030, promoting sustainable development and economic diversification, while attending officials highlighted its potential to enhance innovation, create jobs, and serve as a model for sustainable aquaculture in the region, SPA added.
Islamic minister highlights Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting peace
- European guests praise Saudi Arabia’s hospitality, cultural outreach efforts
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs hosted a cultural event for the second group of Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Umrah and Visit, featuring various cultural and entertainment activities.
The group comprised 250 pilgrims from 14 European countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They expressed their gratitude to the leadership and the ministry for hosting them, allowing them to perform Umrah rituals and visit historic sites in Madinah and Makkah.
Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh said Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was committed to being a beacon of goodness and moderation.
HIGHLIGHT
The minister also highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid to those in need around the world, in line with Islam’s core values of promoting compassion and support.
During a reception for the guests, he said the Kingdom would continue to serve Islam and Muslims, and promote tolerance, coexistence and understanding worldwide.
Al-Asheikh, who is also the general supervisor of the program, met the guests, conveyed the greetings of the Saudi leadership and along with members of the program’s working committees reviewed the services provided and received a briefing on their work.
Under its leadership, the Kingdom strove to offer top-tier services to the visitors of the Two Holy Mosques from around the world, he said.
The guests commended the Kingdom on its efforts to promote Islam’s message of tolerance and foster appreciation for its historical and spiritual legacy. They also praised the new projects and expansions at the holy mosques and sites, which align with Saudi Vision 2030.
Al-Khamar Al-Baqari, head of imams in the Netherlands, expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia, its government and its people for their hospitality.
Sheikh Ali Al-Zughaibi, the program’s executive director, said that since its launch in 2014 it had provided the opportunity for 4,500 men and women from around the world to perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque.
Al-Asheikh also highlighted the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to providing humanitarian aid to those in need around the world, in line with Islam’s core values of promoting compassion and support.
Art, animals take center stage at Riyadh camel festival
- The combination of arts and animals makes the event an appealing option for visitors and supports the economic and cultural growth of the Kingdom
RIYADH: The works of a renowned local sculptor are among the creative highlights of this year’s King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, which celebrates not only ships of the desert but arts and crafts from around the Kingdom.
Abdulrahman Al-Zahem is best known for his depictions of camels and traditional tools. Each of his pieces serves as a symbol of the Kingdom’s heritage and connection to the land, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
FASTFACT
The combination of arts and animals makes the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival an appealing option for visitors and supports the economic and cultural growth of the Kingdom.
As well as creating his own works, Al-Zahem spends much of his time helping to nurture the next generation of artists, including his own daughter.
Besides providing a global hub for all things camel, the festival in Al-Sayahid, northeast of Riyadh, is an important platform for the arts, offering an opportunity for artists to showcase their work to a global audience.
The combination of arts and animals also makes the event an appealing option for visitors and supports the economic and cultural growth of the Kingdom.
The festival ends on Tuesday.
Riyadh’s Souq Al-Awaleen celebrates Saudi traditions
- Souq Al-Awaleen features handicrafts, folk art, and live performances reflecting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage and providing a platform for local artisans to showcase their work and revive traditional crafts
RIYADH: Souq Al-Awaleen, a part of Riyadh Season, offers a “captivating journey through Saudi traditions,” according to a recent Saudi Press Agency report.
The souq, entry to which is free, “blends traditional elements with modern touches, creating a vibrant cultural hub,” the SPA continued.
Souq Al-Awaleen features handicrafts, folk art, and live performances reflecting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage and providing a platform for local artisans to showcase their work and revive traditional crafts. Visitors can also participate in workshops focused on Sadu weaving and pottery.
Sufrat Al-Deira, meanwhile, offers “a taste of authentic Saudi cuisine,” the SPA reported, adding that the “atmosphere evokes a bygone era, with activities like cooking demonstrations and cultural performances enriching the experience.”
Riyadh Season runs until March 2025, and has already been attended by more than 12 million people, according to the SPA.
