DUBAI: Doha-based Katara Studios is making strides in producing Arab stories that showcase the region’s rich culture for local and international audiences.

Hussein Fakhri, the studio’s chief commercial officer and executive producer, spoke to Arab News recently about the company’s mission.

“We have a responsibility as filmmakers to tell our stories from our perspective. Our projects vary from informative to entertaining but are all seen through an Arab lens.”

Katara Studios is working on a diverse slate of productions, including two feature films set for release in 2025 and 2026. One is a Qatari dark comedy, while the other is described by Fakhri as a “fantasy Bedouin Western.”

“These films aim to introduce innovative and exciting elements to the industry,” he said.

The studio is also eyeing international audiences. “If the work is strong enough, it should travel without much effort,” he added.

“We don’t adapt our production approach based on where the content will be viewed. We produce it to the best standard possible for our Arabic-speaking audience, and if done right, it will find an audience beyond our region,” Fakhri said.

“Language is no longer a barrier as viewers are happy to read subtitles or dubbed content. It’s all down to the strength of the writing and production value,” he added.

Fakhri also shared insights into the studio’s 2027 lineup, which includes a historical series based on the life of Arab pirate Erhama bin Jaber.

Additionally, the studio is co-producing “All Before You,” a historical drama directed by lauded Palestinian filmmaker Annemarie Jacir.

“Anything we do that will advance our industry, our language, and our culture is a win for us. Our role is not of leadership but rather bringing a spirit of collaboration with fellow Arab filmmakers,” Fakhri said.

JEDDAH: A new exhibition in Jeddah will “push boundaries” in the world of Saudi art, encouraging artists to challenge stereotypes and explore new horizons, its organizer believes.

Abdulrahman Kamil Mourad, general manager of the Bilory company and founder of Bilory ArtHaus, said the “Modernity Roots” exhibition will merge Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage with contemporary art practices, creating a dynamic platform for both artists and art enthusiasts.

The exhibition, the gallery’s first, draws inspiration from the Arabic term for origin and centrality, symbolized by the date stone, a revered element in Saudi culture, known for its vitality and unyielding strength.

“Modernity Roots is not just an exhibition, it’s a declaration of our roots and the unyielding power they instill within us as Saudis navigating the modern world,” Mourad said.

“In a society eager to progress, this exhibition reminds us that our cultural heritage is our ultimate powerhouse, guiding us forward without losing sight of our origins.”

Mourad said that the exhibition is setting out to push boundaries in Saudi art, while also challenging stereotypes.

“The primary purpose of ‘Modernity Roots’ was to highlight that it is OK and desirable to be courageous and daring in the art production process, pushing boundaries and challenging the stereotypes surrounding Saudi art.

“Each artist embodies strong dedication and resilience, building on their rich Saudi cultural backgrounds, while exploring new horizons and opportunities,” he said.

The exhibition showcases the works of AFM and Heba Ismail, two prominent Saudi artists gaining wider recognition in the region.

AFM’s camel paintings merge pop art with cartoonish abstraction, utilizing bold, African-inspired colors and Saudi symbols to explore a modern, progressive identity rooted in tradition.

Ismail’s “The Holy Grail” series brings a cubist perspective to the theme of cultural identity and self-exploration, using modernist abstraction and striking colors to challenge perceptions and evoke deep emotional responses.

Together, their work creates a dialogue that bridges past and present, inviting viewers to reflect on the power of heritage in shaping the future.

Ismail said: “I’ve been involved with the team from the very beginning, and we spent months preparing for the launch.

“I contributed 23 paintings, all of which are very dear to me. The team was incredible. We became friends along the way, and the launch was a huge success.

“It was wonderful to work alongside AFM for the third time, and I love how our work complements and enhances each other’s.”

Mourad also explained Bilory’s approach to selecting artists for the inaugural exhibition, emphasizing a commitment to Saudi Vision 2030.

“From our perspective, there will never be a solid perfect choice when it comes to selecting art and artists; there are only different tastes and perspectives.

“Our main focus initially was to find creative Saudi artists who work with great passion. The main factor guiding our choice of these two artists was their alignment with our broader vision of participating in Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to create more cultural art spaces and improve the overall quality of life.”

Bilory ArtHaus has positioned itself not only as a gallery, but also a creative space that promotes openness and innovation.

Mourad outlined the gallery’s broader ambitions, saying: “We aim to create a balanced and harmonious gallery that fosters multi-talented artists who challenge themselves and inspire others to do the same.

“This creative space will feature diverse exhibitions, showcasing both well-established and emerging local Saudi artists, as well as hosting international artists.

“We strongly believe that Bilory ArtHaus will play a major role in shaping the local art scene by promoting and exposing outstanding available talents.”

Alongside its commitment to promoting art, Bilory Company also plans to launch an e-commerce jewelry platform.

The exhibition, open daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. until Nov. 15, offers visitors an immersive experience that highlights Saudi Arabia’s cultural evolution, and the enduring connection between tradition and modernity.