Saudi film industry has growth potential: Top UK director

Director Jonas Grimas during a two-day workshop in Riyadh. (Photo/Supplied)
Updated 14 October 2018
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Saudi film industry has growth potential: Top UK director

  • Grimas won a British Academy Award (BAFTA) for his graduation short film “Artisten” in 1988
  • Recently the Saudi Film Council (SFC) was established to promote and support the industry

RIYADH: The Saudi film industry has much potential for growth, although the formation of an academy or film school is essential to move forward, Swedish film and television director Jonas Grimas said in a public talk in Riyadh recently.

Grimas was speaking at the Faisaliyah Hotel last month when the British Council, in partnership with the General Culture Authority, represented by the Saudi Film Council, held a workshop there.

In an interview with Arab News, Grimas spoke about his background as a successful filmmaker and about the future of filmmaking in the Kingdom, along with his insights about the country during his visit.

Grimas was born in Uppsala, Sweden and studied at the Dramatiska Institute Film School in Stockholm and the Royal College of Art in London. His passion for filmmaking grew out of his work in theater. “It was a natural way of taking story-telling a step further and making it accessible to a larger audience and timeless,” he said.

After graduating, Grimas moved to London where he went on to direct movies, documentaries and short films; he also worked on British crime dramas as well as a string of Swedish productions.

Grimas won a British Academy Award (BAFTA) for his graduation short film “Artisten” in 1988, which he admits was his proudest achievement. “I am proud of everything I made. Getting something done is an achievement in itself. But if I were to single out one film it would be my graduation film for a number of reasons: It won a BAFTA and a string of other international awards, and it is still being screened internationally 30 years later. But first and foremost, because it was made by a large group of friends whose passion and commitment not just made it possible, but made it what it is.”

In 2011, the Stockholm Culture Foundation also named Grimas Cultural Personality of the Year. He believes that his success, and that of any movie, is due to passion and hard work. “Talent is just a starting point, after that it takes hard work and commitment.” He added: “You also need to recognize a good story — which is always a simple one. Finally you need luck — being in the right place at the right time and meeting the right people that share your ideas.” 

Grimas decided to hold the workshop, titled “The Art of Filmmaking” as well as a public talk on “The Art of Directing,” because he believes that it is the responsibility of any artist to share and pass down knowledge and experience to the next generation. “The language/grammar of film is an international language. I take great pleasure in teaching, and the chance to do so on an international level is very attractive.” The impressions and feedback received from the workshop were positive and Grimas described the participants as “passionate with a great eagerness to learn.”

When asked for his thoughts on the future of filmmaking in the country, Grimas said that, given the resources, Saudi Arabia has the potential to move forward in this new and growing industry. “I recently saw the Saudi film “Wadjda” and was very impressed; a simple story well told is the hallmark of any good film.” He does, however, believe that the country will face challenges, one being the need for training: “Since there isn’t an indigenous industry, the necessary knowledge has to come from education.”

But he also believes that the country is heading in the right direction by taking the first steps toward change. Recently the Saudi Film Council (SFC) was established to promote and support the industry. Some members of the council receive training abroad and can ultimately share this knowledge with others. However, Grimas also believes firmly that forming an academy or film school would be essential for progression.

“In the end, the only way of learning how to make films is to make films and make mistakes during the process. I learned everything I know from making mistakes, something that a film school is there for and allows you to do.”

In addition, the SFC has announced that it will launch the biggest location library for film shooting in the Middle East, which Grimas said is an important achievement. “Finding a location is often a time-consuming and difficult task, and without them you can’t make a film. Any initiative to simplify this process is wonderful and will be welcomed by everyone in the industry,” he said.

Grimas added: “The experience I had during my short visit to the Kingdom created a desire to learn more about Saudi culture.” He also expressed that given a good story, he could see himself telling Saudi stories in the future.

He advised Saudis eager to venture into this new field: “You need three things: Passion, determination and grit. No one is ever going to ask you to make a film, so you need to go out — with your friends — and start making them. It’s not about the technology; it’s about having a story to tell. Today with the help of smartphones and laptops, this is possible for anyone.”


Saudi Roads Authority launches ‘mobile sites’ service for pilgrims during bus breakdowns on Hijra Road

Updated 5 sec ago
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Saudi Roads Authority launches ‘mobile sites’ service for pilgrims during bus breakdowns on Hijra Road

RIYADH: The Roads General Authority has launched a “mobile sites” service for pilgrims on the Hijra Road in the event their buses break down.

The service is intended to ensure the highest levels of comfort and safety for pilgrims when traveling between Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The launch was attended by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser.

This initiative is being implemented on the Hijra Expressway (Makkah-Madinah) and is available around the clock during Hajj season. It can accommodate approximately 40 pilgrims and is equipped with air-conditioning units, rest areas, restrooms, cold beverages, and hospitality meals.

 


Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry expands digital outreach with daily religious programming during Hajj season

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance is delivering religious programming to serve pilgrims.
Updated 1 min 53 sec ago
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Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry expands digital outreach with daily religious programming during Hajj season

  • Digital media forms the cornerstone of the ministry’s contemporary outreach strategy, SPA said

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has intensified its digital broadcasting output throughout the current Hajj season, delivering comprehensive religious programming to serve pilgrims and global Muslim audiences via its official YouTube channel.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the ministry’s digital strategy features four daily lectures in three distinct programs: “Barnamaj Dahawi” (Religious Program), “Khayr Al-Ayyam” (Best of Days) and the fourth iteration of “Hajj Talk,” with broadcasts continuing through 13/12/1446 AH (June 9, 2025).

“Religious Program” episodes are broadcast twice daily at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., while “Best of Days” airs at 4 p.m. The flagship “Hajj Talk” program concludes the daily schedule at 6 p.m. This systematic approach shows the ministry’s commitment to harnessing contemporary digital platforms, aligning with technological progress while amplifying the reach and impact of Islamic messaging. The live streaming format enables real-time engagement with audiences domestic and international audiences.

The daily programming addresses themes relevant to the pilgrimage season, including detailed explanations of Hajj purposes and legal rulings, the spiritual significance of righteous deeds during the days of Dhul-Hijjah, and proper conduct during sacred rituals.

“Hajj Talk” distinguishes itself by focusing on prophetic values, delivered through modern presentation methods while extracting practical guidance from the Prophet Mohammed’s pilgrimage example.

According to SPA, digital media forms the cornerstone of the ministry’s contemporary outreach strategy, supporting its broader mission to promote religious moderation and ensure universal access to authentic Islamic content. It allows pilgrims and viewers worldwide to access religious guidance regardless of location or time constraints.

 


Students from Islamic University of Madinah to guide pilgrims in Hajj animal sacrifice

Updated 28 min 15 sec ago
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Students from Islamic University of Madinah to guide pilgrims in Hajj animal sacrifice

  • Saudi Arabia’s Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi was established in 1983

MADINAH: Muslim students from the Islamic University of Madinah in the Hejaz Region are participating in the Hajj rituals of Hady and Adahi by offering guidance on animal sacrifice this weekend.

Some 300 students representing 40 nationalities will take part in the annual sacrifice of animals through Saudi Arabia’s Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi.

Students will educate and guide pilgrims, ensuring adherence to the Prophet’s Sunnah during the performance of the rituals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The project was established in 1983 to carry on the Hady and Adahi rituals on behalf of any Muslim, and supervise the use of Hajj meat and its distribution to the destitute.

During pilgrimage, which concludes this year on Monday, June 9, pilgrims are required to sacrifice an animal in a ritual called Hady.

Adahi is a voluntary sacrifice for non-pilgrim Muslims which takes place on the day of Eid Al-Adha.

In collaboration with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, the student initiative aims to supervise the rituals according to Islamic law, the SPA added.


Saudi Arabia provides more than 91,000 healthcare services to pilgrims in run-up to Hajj

The Medical Services Center in Mina continues its efforts as part of final preparations for the 2025 Hajj season. (MoH)
Updated 30 min 22 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia provides more than 91,000 healthcare services to pilgrims in run-up to Hajj

  • 51,938 pilgrims treated at health centers, 22,486 emergency cases handled , and outpatient care provided for 1,069 people
  • Surgeons carry out 16 open-heart surgeries and 145 cardiac catheterizations; 44 cases of heat exhaustion treated

RIYADH: The Saudi healthcare system continues to operate at full capacity during the 2025 Hajj season and has so far provided more than 91,000 health services to pilgrims, official statistics reveal.

As of June 2, health providers had treated 51,938 pilgrims at health centers, handled 22,486 emergency cases, and provided outpatient care for 1,069 people. A total of 4,119 pilgrims were admitted to hospitals, 1,973 of whom required intensive care.

Surgeons successfully carried out 16 open-heart surgeries and 145 cardiac catheterizations, the figures show. In addition, 44 cases of heat exhaustion were treated.

Saudi healthcare authorities said they remain committed to safeguarding the well-being of pilgrims during their spiritual journeys, through the coordinated efforts of healthcare providers to deliver high-quality and efficient medical care.

This aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Health Sector Transformation Program and the Guests of Allah Service Program, as part Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to provide pilgrims with a safe and medically supported environment that meets international health standards, they added.


Saudi scouts survey pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina

Updated 02 June 2025
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Saudi scouts survey pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina

  • The survey is part of the Ministry of Sport's efforts to support pilgrims and guide those who are lost

MAKKAH: A total of 800 members of the Ministry of Sports’ scouting team began surveying pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina on Monday.

The surveys include collecting field information about pilgrims’ housing, landmarks, pedestrian paths and the headquarters of government agencies taking part in serving pilgrims.

It is part of the ministry’s efforts to support pilgrims and guide those who are lost, in cooperation with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The Ministry of Sports has five scout camps in Mina, located in Al-Mu’aisam 1-2, Al-Rabwa, Wadi Muhsar and the Operations Camp.

A preparatory course for the scouts was also held before their departure to Mina.

The four-day program aimed to prepare them to serve the guests of God, focusing on areas including teamwork, leadership and crowd management.

Thousands of volunteers every year assist the pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, which sees about 2 million worshipers visit over the five days.

Volunteers work to support healthcare, provide meals, manage crowds and assist with transport.