Kingdom of Saudi Arabia-: In a groundbreaking collaboration, the British Council Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the Saudi Cinema Association, is set to illuminate the 10th edition of the Saudi Film Festival with a dynamic array of events and initiatives. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to fostering cultural exchange and nurturing emerging talent within the Saudi film industry.
The British Council is a people to people organisation working to build understanding, connections and trust, recognises the pivotal role of arts and film in shaping societies and fostering international dialogue. Leveraging this ethos, the collaboration aims to build cultural bridges and facilitate knowledge exchange between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
At the heart of this collaboration lies a commitment to capacity building within the Saudi film sector. With a keen eye on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritises the development of creative industries, the partners have identified animation as a key area for growth. To this end, Studio Ulster and the Saudi Cinema Association are spearheading a pioneering training programme aimed at empowering Saudi filmmakers with cutting-edge animation skills.
The programme, which commenced online and will continue during the festival, reflects the partners’ dedication to nurturing local talent and positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for creative excellence on the global stage. Complementing this initiative is a series of masterclasses led by industry stalwarts from Blue Zoo Productions, offering invaluable insights into the nuances of building a thriving animation industry.
As part of the festivities, the British Council will showcase a curated selection of UK short films, providing a platform for British filmmakers to engage with Saudi audiences and forge meaningful connections. Additionally, UK delegates will be in attendance to explore collaboration opportunities and scout emerging talent within the vibrant Saudi film landscape.
Amany Abouzeid, Regional Arts Director of British Council MENA, highlighted the festival’s role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s cultural agenda, stating, “The Saudi Cinema Association has been instrumental in nurturing young Saudi talent and supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. We believe in the power of the arts to drive socio-economic development and are committed to fostering long-term partnerships that empower artists and enrich communities.
Lloyd Anderson, Country Director of British Council Saudi Arabia, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Our mission is to strengthen relations between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by building trust and lasting connections. Through initiatives like the Saudi Film Festival, we aim to empower aspiring young people and professionals, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation.”
Ahmed Al Mulla, Founder of the Saudi Cinema Association, reflected on the journey of the Saudi film industry, remarking, “Our filmmakers were dreamers. They made their films underground and then went outside the country to screen them but couldn’t talk about the experience when they returned. Now, things changed in the blink of an eye. It’s a revolution, what’s happened in Saudi Arabia with art and culture.”
The 10th edition of the Saudi Film Festival promises to be a celebration of creativity, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange, offering a glimpse into the boundless potential of the Saudi film industry. In line with this, the festival coincides with the launch of “Cinematheque AlKhobar,” providing filmmakers access to various aspects of the film industry and offering artistic products, spaces, and events to communities in Alkhobar and beyond.
