DUBAI: The Saudi Film Festival is set to return for its 11th edition from April 17 to 23, at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra).

On Wednesday, the film festival announced that “SIWAR” by director Osama Al-Khurayji will be the event’s opening screening as well as the film's world premiere. 

The film, which unfolds between Turkey and Saudi Arabia, was primarily shot in the AlUla region of Saudi Arabia.

The film is inspired by true events and was written by Rashed Al-Munajjim. It tells the story of two newborns, one Saudi and the other Turkish, who were mistakenly switched at birth.

“The story of ‘SIWAR’ has stayed with me since the true incident occurred in 2012, and I’ve wanted to bring it to the screen. Finally, after all these years, I’m proud to present this human story, and I’d like to thank Film AlUla for their support in making this film. I’m also proud that its launch will take place at the Saudi Film Festival, which is very dear to my heart,” said director Al-Khurayji.

This year’s theme, “Cinema of Identity,” will explore how films shape and reflect individual, national, and cultural identities.

Organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with Ithra and supported by the Film Commission, the festival will feature 68 films from Saudi Arabia, the Gulf — including Iraq and Yemen — and beyond.

The narrative features in competition include “Hobal,” “My Driver and I,” “Thuqoub,” “Fakher Al-Suwaidi,” Anaashed Adam,” “Es-aaf,” “Behind the Mountains” and “Adjourned.”

A highlight this year is the honorary tribute to Ibrahim Al-Hasawi, a veteran Saudi actor with over three decades of experience in theater, television, and cinema. His notable works include the TV series “Tash Ma Tash” and “Bayni Wa Baynak,” as well as films such as Ithra’s “Hajjan,” “Zero Distance,” and the recent “Hobal.” 

This year’s lineup includes seven Saudi and Gulf feature films, 22 short fiction films, and seven documentaries, alongside 12 parallel screenings of Saudi productions. The festival will also host four panel discussions, four advanced masterclasses and three book-signing sessions for the Saudi Cinema Encyclopedia.

The plaza and library at Ithra will host ‘Meet the Expert’ one-on-one sessions and private screenings, offering filmmakers ample opportunities for personalized mentorship and feedback.

A key component of the festival is its production market, which will showcase 22 booths from various production entities, providing filmmakers with a platform to develop and present their work. And to network.

Additionally, Japanese cinema will be in focus, marking 70 years of Saudi-Japan relations, with eight Japanese films and expert discussions.

Those Japanese films include: 

‘River Returns’

Hoping to save the village and his family from a flood, a young boy journeys alone to a pool deep in the mountains, following a tradition that is disappearing in post-war Japan.

‘Blue and White’

Ryusuke, who is grieving, makes salt on the day of his wife's funeral, aiming to preserve the local area’s salt making history.

‘Toma #2’

When Toma decides to place his father, who suffers from dementia, in a facility, he discovers an instant camera in his father's room that he had forgotten to develop.  

‘Kaburagi’

Kaburaki, a photographer for a weekly magazine, receives a message from an unknown source tipping him off about an idol he has been chasing.

‘Extremely Short’

Based on a story by Hideo Furukawa, the short film follows a man searching for the shortest thing in Tokyo.

‘The New World’

On a sunny June day, Kaname summons old friends to the wilderness with a purpose, but only one arrives.

DUBAI: Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez gave fans a peek into her life in Saudi Arabia this week through a series of Instagram stories. One standout moment was a close-up photo highlighting her Arabic tattoo, which reads: “Keep all evil away from us, Amen.” 

She included the same phrase in Arabic as a caption. In the photo, she also showed off a large emerald-cut diamond ring, a glittering watch and a crocodile-skin handbag.

Later that afternoon, Rodriguez shared more family moments when she posted videos of stepson Cristiano Ronaldo Jr’s football training with Al-Nassr’s youth team. In one clip, captioned “The best team,” the group was seen singing and cheering.

Rodriguez also gave her followers a behind-the-scenes look at her personal routine in Riyadh, sharing a short video of herself practicing salsa dancing. “Third salsa class in Riyadh,” she wrote in Spanish.

The posts are part of her continued documentation of life in Saudi Arabia, where she lives with her partner, football star Cristiano Ronaldo, and their children.

The couple recently appeared together in a new campaign for Saudi Arabia’s luxury cruise line, Aroya Cruises. 

In the video, the pair exchange a lighthearted moment in Arabic. Rodriguez says “yalla” — meaning “let’s go” — after selecting the cruise on her phone, and Ronaldo replies cheerfully “yalla.”

The scene then changes into scenes of the couple exploring the cruise experience, with panoramic sea views, luxurious interiors and their private accommodation.

Both Ronaldo and Rodriguez shared the campaign on their social media profiles with the caption: “Home isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling.”

In addition to her lifestyle content and brand campaigns, Rodriguez has also taken part in humanitarian efforts in Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, she visited the King Fahd National Centre for Children’s Cancer to support young patients.

She was joined by Monica Esteban, president of Spanish charity, the Juegaterapia Foundation, as they distributed Baby Pelones dolls featuring a scarf designed by Rodriguez. During her visit, the model hugged and spoke with the children and joined in their play with the dolls.