Saudi film festival unveils Arab short narratives in competition

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In its highly anticipated third edition, the Red Sea International Film Festival presents its selection of the Red Sea Shorts in Competition. (Supplied)
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Red Sea International Film Festival Reveals Line-Up for Arab Shorts in Competition, Showcasing Captivating Stories from the Arab World. (Supplied)
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Featuring an impressive lineup of 11 outstanding Arab short films, the festival celebrates the richness and diversity of Arab storytelling. (Supplied)
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Featuring an impressive lineup of 11 outstanding Arab short films, the festival celebrates the richness and diversity of Arab storytelling. (Supplied)
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Updated 19 September 2023
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Saudi film festival unveils Arab short narratives in competition

  • The festival guarantees an exceptional presentation of the finest in Arab and international cinema, delivering captivating, poetic, and entertaining experiences

JEDDAH: The third Red Sea International Film Festival recently revealed the lineup for its eagerly awaited Arab Shorts in competition. In its third installment, this program presents a carefully curated selection of short films that explore lesser-known stories, providing captivating glimpses into the diverse lives and locales within the Arab world.

From Nov. 30-Dec. 9, the city of Jeddah, situated on the Red Sea’s eastern shores, will transform into a center of cinematic brilliance.

Featuring an impressive lineup of 11 outstanding Arab short films, the festival celebrates the richness and diversity of Arab storytelling, inviting viewers to embark on an unforgettable cinematic journey.

The festival guarantees an exceptional presentation of the finest in Arab and international cinema, delivering captivating, poetic, and entertaining experiences.

In response to this announcement, Mohammed Al-Turki, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, stated in a press release: “The Red Sea International Film Festival is committed to promoting Arab cinema and film culture in the region and beyond. With ‘Arab Shorts,’ we continue to provide a platform for Arab filmmakers to showcase their work, connecting them with industry experts worldwide.”

Antoine Khalife, director of Arab programs and film classics at the RSIF, said that Arab Shorts underscores the festival’s dedication to empowering Arab filmmakers as they share untold stories that explore various facets of life.

The 10-day film festival is set to be an exciting platform for Arab filmmakers and industry professionals, bringing together an array of compelling Arab short films in competition, including “Smokey Eyes” directed by Ali Ali, Egyptian Adweek’s esteemed director; “Manity,” directed and written by Hussen Ibraheem; “The Key,” directed by Rakan Mayasi; “Somewhere in Between” by Dahlia Nemlich; “Amplified” by Dina Naser; “The Woodland” directed by Firas Taybeh; “The Call of the Brook” by Jad Chahine; “Farewell,” directed by Ibrahem Melhem; “Saeed,” directed by Rami Al-Zayer; and “Deaf,” directed by Roy Arida. “Me and Aydarous,” directed by Sara Balghonaim, will also be shown at the festival.

The RSIF will not only host feature and short film competitions but also offer a rich array of events, masterclasses, and workshops, fostering connections and providing vital support to emerging talent from the Arab film industry.


Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art to host ‘Manga Hokusai Manga’ exhibition

Updated 11 sec ago
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Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art to host ‘Manga Hokusai Manga’ exhibition

  • Exhibition is homage to renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai

The much-anticipated “Manga Hokusai Manga” exhibition will be held at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art in JAX Diriyah from Jan. 15 to Feb. 8.

Held in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation, the exhibition, ratified by the Kingdom’s Museums Commission, will showcase the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai.

It will highlight the history and evolution of manga, and provide a perspective on how Hokusai’s classical illustrations have influenced modern visual arts, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Hokusai published his first collection of art in 1814, featuring sketches of “daily life, landscapes and whimsical creatures,” according to a post on X by the museum.

The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art aims to foster cultural exchange between local and international creators.


Rain for 3 days over most parts of Saudi Arabia

Updated 10 January 2025
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Rain for 3 days over most parts of Saudi Arabia

  • Warning of high waves along the Kingdom’s coastlines

RIYADH: Rain of varying intensities will fall over most parts of Saudi Arabia from Jan. 10 to 12, the National Center for Meteorology stated on Thursday.

In a weather bulletin, the NCM warned of downpours accompanied by winds of up to 60 kph, and the possibility of torrential rain and hail. High waves are expected along the nation’s coastlines.

The regions of Al-Jouf, the Northern Borders, and Hail will have rainy conditions on Friday and Saturday.

On Friday, rain is expected in the Tabuk and Madinah regions; on Saturday and Sunday in the Eastern Province, Asir and Jazan; and on Saturday in Qassim.

For the Riyadh and Al-Baha regions, rain is expected from Friday to Sunday.

The NCM urged the public to stay updated on the weather conditions in the Kingdom by checking the daily reports on its website, the Anwaa application, or its social media accounts.


Saudi Falcons Club CEO and Kazakhstan ambassador discuss ways to boost cooperation

Updated 10 January 2025
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Saudi Falcons Club CEO and Kazakhstan ambassador discuss ways to boost cooperation

RIYADH: The CEO of the Saudi Falcons Club, Ahmed Al-Hababi, met Kazakhstan’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Madiyar Menilbekov, in Riyadh on Thursday to discuss opportunities for cooperation and ways in which these might be enhanced to benefit mutual goals.

One of the topics was the Hadad Program, a leading initiative developed by the club with the aim of returning falcons to their natural habitats and saving the species from the threat of extinction.

Menilbekov praised the club for the important role it plays in enhancing falconry and preserving its cultural heritage.

The club said the meeting was part of its efforts to strengthen international partnerships in keeping with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification.
 


Saudi envoy to US outlines efforts to maintain safety of Saudi citizens amid LA wildfires

Updated 10 January 2025
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Saudi envoy to US outlines efforts to maintain safety of Saudi citizens amid LA wildfires

LOS ANGELES: Saudi ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar, reaffirmed on Thursday the embassy’s commitment to the safety and security of Saudi citizens in Los Angeles and surrounding areas impacted by wildfires, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In a statement, Princess Reema emphasized that the embassy and the consulate general were working tirelessly to support citizens affected by the fires.

She highlighted that ensuring their well-being remains a top priority for Saudi diplomatic missions in the United States.

She said the team was monitoring the situation closely and was prepared to provide immediate assistance to those in need. The embassy and consulate were dedicated to ensuring the security and safety of all Saudi citizens in affected areas, she added.

The embassy and consulate have activated a round-the-clock response team to address concerns and offer necessary support, SPA added.

The wildfires in California have prompted widespread evacuations and caused significant disruptions in the Los Angeles area, with officials working to contain the blazes.


KAUST conducts research study on microbiomes in glacier-fed streams

Updated 10 January 2025
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KAUST conducts research study on microbiomes in glacier-fed streams

  • Collaboration with scientists from Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne

RIYADH: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, in collaboration with scientists from the Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne, has conducted an unprecedented, in-depth study on microbiomes — microorganisms that live symbiotically with humans or other organisms — in glacier-fed streams.

These streams, originating from glaciers atop the Earth’s highest mountains, harbor a wealth of unique microorganisms.

The research team collected and analyzed samples from 170 glacier-fed streams over five years across regions including New Zealand, the Himalayas, the Russian Caucasus, the Tien Shan and Pamir Mountains, the European Alps, the Scandinavian Alps, Greenland, Alaska, the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda, and the Ecuadorian and Chilean Andes, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The findings, published in the renowned scientific journal Nature, represent the first global reference for microbiomes in glacier-fed streams.

These streams, which are among the most extreme natural freshwater ecosystems in the world, are located at mountain summits and are characterized by near-freezing temperatures and low nutrient levels.

They also serve as the origin for many of the world’s largest rivers, functioning as vital water reservoirs for the planet.

KAUST researcher Dr. Ramona Marasco emphasized that glacier-fed streams were highly vulnerable to climate change. 

She spoke of the importance of establishing a baseline for their microbiomes to better understand the rate of ecological change, while highlighting KAUST’s extensive genetic sequencing efforts, which have significantly contributed to creating a comprehensive picture of these endangered microbiomes.

The researchers successfully developed the first global atlas of microorganisms in glacier-fed streams.

Their work revealed that these streams harbor a unique microbiome distinct from other cryospheric systems, such as glaciers, frozen soils, and ice-covered lakes.

About half of the bacterial species in these streams are endemic to specific mountain ranges. The scientists attribute this phenomenon to the geographical isolation of mountain ranges, similar to islands, and to the powerful natural selection exerted by the harsh conditions in glacier-fed streams.