The fourth edition of the Saudi Film Festival kicked off in Dhahran this week and is set to screen 59 Saudi films as part of an initiative to recognize and nurture talented filmmakers in the country.
The event is organized by the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts, in association with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and the Ministry of Culture and Information.
The Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts is responsible for the preservation of Saudi culture and organized this event in order to develop the local art and culture scene, elevate the quality of Saudi movies and encourage young creative talents to exchange ideas.
The festival is part of a year-round plan that gives filmmakers the opportunity to learn directly from experienced local and international practitioners in the field and provides them with the infrastructure to showcase their films and interact with the public.
The four-day film festival will see filmmakers, producers, actors, film enthusiasts and members of the public come together to celebrate the development of the Saudi filmmaking industry. In total, 59 Saudi films will be screened during the festival and four prizes – for best narrative, best documentary, best scriptwriting and best student film — will be awarded at the end of the festival.
The members of the jury were introduced during the opening ceremony.
Those on the judging panel in the best narrative or feature film competition include artist Ahmed Mater, director Mohamed Rashid Bu Ali and artist Abdelmajeed AlKanani.
In the documentary category, director Awad Alhamzani, writer Hessam Alhilwa and director Nujoom Al Ghanem will judge the entrants.
The scriptwriting awardee will be decided by author Mohammed Alshaier, writer Hassan Hadad and writer Manal Alawibeel.
Meanwhile, the student film competition will be judged by director Hind Alfahhad, artist Khaled Ameen and director Fatima Musharbak.
Members of the festival’s advisory committee were also introduced and include entrepreneur Qusoura Khatib, executive director of “Three Seas” Alaa Youssef, film director Badr Al Hamoud and photographer Awad Al Hamzani.
Renowned Saudi director Saad Khadr — who is famous for playing the role of “Faraj Allah” — was presented with a Golden Palm award during the ceremony, celebrating the exemplary role-model that he represents for young filmmakers.
The films run from 10 to 30 minutes, with a new category of films introduced this year— the 50-minute movies. Films will be screened each day at 4 p.m. and will continue up until 10 pm. The festival includes workshops, seminars and networking opportunities, as well as a school-friendly morning program which is held in partnership with the Sharjah Children’s Film Festival.
Some of the workshops set to be conducted this year include “Fundamentals of 3-D Graphic Design” led by director Raed Al Sheikh and “Developing the Structure of the Story and the Development of Personality” by Alexander Woodman, a member of the faculty at the University of Prince Mohammed bin Fahd.
All films will be screened in their original language — either Arabic or English — with subtitles for Arabic movies. The films will be screened in Ithra Tent 1 and Outdoor Screening Area 3 in Ithra, Dhahran.
Saudi Film Festival rolls out the red carpet in Dhahran
Saudi Film Festival rolls out the red carpet in Dhahran
The wheel of time: Jazan's vibrant pottery reflects heritage
- Pottery in Jazan is a lasting symbol of authenticity and belonging through the efforts of artisans and enthusiasts
RIYADH: In Saudi Arabia’s Jazan region, pottery is not just a craft but also among the oldest heritage crafts embodying the region’s cultural identity. Its creative legacy echoes locals’ dedication to preserving the traditions of their ancestors.
Over the years, the people of Jazan learned to transform clay into durable and functional tools and utensils. These handcrafted items reflect the beauty of Jazan’s nature and the depth of its heritage — a historic art form that strengthens the relationship between locals and land.
Jazan’s artisans have mastered the art of pottery, molding the clay extracted from dry valleys known as “valley clay.” The clay is carefully collected, purified and kneaded to become soft and moldable, Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
Simple tools are used in molding clay items before leaving them to dry under the sun for several days. The plates are later placed in traditional kilns at high temperatures to become durable and solid to withstand high temperatures and daily use.
Among the pieces created are cooking pots, cups and utensils that continue to be valuable and are used to cook and serve traditional dishes.
Cooking in clay pots is part of experiencing the region’s heritage and brings with it the warmth of the past. The slow and even distribution of heat makes enhances the dishes that are cooked in it, such as madhbi and mandi.
Despite the emergence of modern household appliances, clay pots for cooking and serving food are still widely popular in Jazan and beyond.
However, SPA’s report noted that although pottery is an appreciated part of heritage in Jazan, it is facing several challenges, including the lack of young Saudi craftsmen and the lack of natural clay resources.
This has compelled local authorities to intensify efforts to support the craft of pottery, such as organizing training courses that enable youths to acquire the skills for carrying the legacy of this tradition into the future.
Local festivals are also being organized to introduce visitors to the importance of pottery in the region’s heritage and its role in the Saudi culture, SPA reported.
Pottery in Jazan is a lasting symbol of authenticity and belonging through the efforts of artisans and enthusiasts. It combines locals’ love for land and nature and represents a significant aspect of the region’s cultural identity.
Riyadh to host 34th Saudi Build Exhibition
- The exhibition will be staged alongside the 25th edition of the power and water exhibition Saudi Elenex
RIYADH: The 34th edition of the Saudi Build Exhibition — the region’s largest construction exhibition — will be held from Nov. 4 to Nov. 7 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.
Up to 600 organizations from 31 countries and 22,000 professionals are expected to attend the event, which is being held under the patronage of the Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail.
The exhibition will be staged alongside the 25th edition of the power and water exhibition Saudi Elenex. It will focus on efforts to transform the construction sector through sustainability and smart technologies.
The Saudi Build Exhibition will cover topics including sustainability, advanced building technologies, and innovation. The event is managed by the Riyadh Exhibitions Company.
Saudi foundation discovers largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Red Sea
- Discovery of site marks significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s environmental conservation efforts
RIYADH: The Saudi General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Marine Turtles in the Red Sea announced on Saturday it had identified the largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Saudi waters.
Located on the Four Sisters Islands in the Red Sea, the discovery of the site marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s environmental conservation efforts, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Khaled Asfahani, the organization’s CEO, said that the Four Sisters Islands had been designated as a protected area for sea turtle species management.
“These islands are essential habitats for endangered turtle species in the Red Sea, including the green turtle and the critically endangered hawksbill turtle. Protecting these sites is vital for the survival of these species, given that they return to these same nesting grounds each year,” he said.
The Four Sisters Islands — Marmar, Daharb, Malatu and Jadeer — have been identified as critical nesting areas with more than 2,500 recorded turtle nests. The islands are a crucial breeding ground for endangered species in the region.
Asfahani said that conserving the habitats is a strategic priority, as their survival supports the broader Red Sea ecosystem, essential for maintaining biodiversity.
The organization is developing a management plan to protect more than 180 identified beach nesting sites along the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia.
Its environmental teams are also working to enhance sustainable tourism and eco-friendly entertainment opportunities around the ecosystems, Asfahani said.
Sea turtles are a vital component of the Red Sea ecosystem and contribute to the area’s biological and environmental balance.
Jeddah Motor Show attracts 300,000 visitors
- The event highlighted a range of the latest vehicles and innovations
JEDDAH: The Jeddah Motor Show concluded on Saturday evening, having welcomed approximately 300,000 visitors and more than 250 journalists from around the world over its five-day run from Oct. 29 at Superdome Jeddah, according to the organizers.
The event highlighted a range of the latest vehicles and innovations, from cutting-edge electric vehicles to sports cars, passenger cars, motorcycles and intelligent driving systems. It also included the show’s first global premiere — the Kia Tasman — alongside the first appearances in the Kingdom of new models and advanced technologies from global brands including Peugeot, MG, Geely, Haval, Toyota, and Lexus.
The show appeared to have attracted many visitors considering purchasing new cars. One of them, Abdulaziz Al-Khalf, told Arab News that he had been waiting a long time for the show so he could select a new car for his family.
“Instead of moving around from one agent to another, I just waited to see all types of cars under one roof,” he said. “I made my decision and am looking forward to getting my contract signed at the agency’s showroom next week.”
The show also provided a glimpse of the future with concept cars. A visitor from Taif, Ahmed Al-Najjar, said: “It was a great opportunity for me to explore the latest advancements in automotive technologies, because for me it is what interests me most, since I specialize in innovation. I was really impressed to see the latest electric cars.”
Majed Al-Shikhi, a well-known car expert, described the Jeddah motor show as a testament to the evolving nature of the automotive industry in Saudi Arabia, from the rise of electric vehicles to brands’ commitment to sustainability and innovation. “The event provided valuable insights into the future of mobility,” Al-Shikhi said.
Beyond the cars, the show also offered entertainment and interactive experiences designed for all ages.
First public Day of the Dead celebration held by Mexican Embassy
RIYADH: In a historic evening, the Embassy of Mexico in Riyadh publicly hosted the Day of the Dead celebration for the first time in Saudi Arabia, opening the doors for everyone to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage and ancient traditions.
“We are thrilled, we are very happy. This is the first time that we are celebrating this cultural tradition open to the public — most of the time we used to do some small gatherings inside the Embassy, but for the first time we are doing it open to the public,” Mexico’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Anibal Gomez Toledo, told Arab News.
“Since Saudi Arabia and its Vision 2030 is embracing the world’s cultural expressions, I think this is an opportunity to get together, to invite our Saudi friends, to invite the international community, and to get together all of us in this important cultural activity for Mexicans and Mexican supporters,” the ambassador explained.
The embassy’s celebration for Dia de Muertos, known as the Day of the Dead in English, was held at the UN World Tourism Organization in Riyadh on Friday and welcomed ambassadors from other countries, locals and Mexicans living in Saudi Arabia.
Samer Al-Kharashi, director of the UN World Tourism Organization’s regional office in Riyadh, gave the opening address, saying that in 2003, UNESCO proclaimed the festival an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
“Day of the Dead is an international celebration now, it is one recognized by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2003,” Toledo said.
“This means that it attracts the entire world — a lot of nationalities, and you can see here there are people here from Mexico, from Latin America, from Europe, from Saudi and the Middle East.”
During his remarks, the ambassador said that the Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s most profound and ancient traditions because of its powerful significance in terms of history, culture, and tradition and the great interest it has captured throughout the world.
“Around the Day of the Dead, families visit the cemetery, arrange the graves, and gather to place altars and offerings for their late loved ones to welcome them back during their quick visit. In almost all Mexican houses, wherever we are, families set up an altar with traditional decorations, flowers, their favorite meals and drinks, and their pictures,” he explained.
During Friday’s event, an altar was featured dedicated to prominent Mexicans who have promoted Mexico internationally.
“Personalities such as Octavio Paz, winner of the Nobel Literature Prize; Alfonso García Robles, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize; and Frida Kahlo and Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, recognized ambassadors of Mexican cinema and art,” the ambassador explained.
“We honor their memory with this event that we dedicate to them today.”
During his speech, Gomez underlined: “Besides vindicating an ancient Mexican tradition today, this cultural activity confirms Saudi Arabia’s current moment as a friendly country to the world’s cultural expressions.”
Traditional foods and drinks were served during the celebration, including bread of the dead and hot chocolate, which are usually enjoyed on the days of Dia de Muertos from Nov. 1-2.
On the sidelines of the event an exhibit of photographs by Mauricio Silerio showcased black and white skeletal symbols associated with the festivities.
