What to expect at Saudi Film Festival 2023
What to expect at Saudi Film Festival 2023
Celebrating the very best of Saudi film, the festival will return for it's ninth edition
03 May 23
Ithra
Saudi Film Festival will return this month for its ninth edition.
Organised by the Saudi Cinema Association, in association with the Saudi Film Commission and strategic partner Ithra, the Saudi Film Festival is a week-long celebration the best of cinema from Saudi and Gulf region.
The non-profit cultural event will begin on Thursday May 4 and run for one week until May 11.
Alongside the all-important film festival, various events and workshops relating to the film industry will be held at the iconic, and impressive Ithra Centre in Dammam.
The Ithra Centre, also known as the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture — 'ithra' meaning 'enrichment' in Arabic — aims to offer the public opportunities to interact, discover and enjoy art and culture. Operating under five key pillars — Art, Knowledge, Creativity, Culture, Community — the Ithra Centre is the ideal location to host the Saudi Film Festival.
Slated to launch on Thursday May 4, the opening night of the Saudi Film Festival will be hosted by gifted Saudi actor Fay Faroud alongside her fellow actor, producer and screen-writer, Baraa Alem.
Several new Saudi-made movies will debut at the film festival including anticipated Saudi animation, Saleeg. Directed by talented Saudi filmmaker Afnan Bawyan, the opening ceremony will be the world premiere of Saleeg.
Throughout the week, the Saudi Film Festival will showcase new short and feature-length films, however there are also many other events taking place.
Visitors will be able to attend numerous events on-site, from panel discussions, masterclasses with industry experts and celebrated filmmakers and book signings.
With numerous events and workshops running throughout the week-long festival will occur with the intent of uniting new Saudi film talent with well-established directors, producers and media houses to encourage and support a new generation of industry leaders.
Industry professionals such as production companies, film-makers, producers and screen-writers will share their knowledge and experiences through masterclasses, panel discussions and hands-on workshops.
These events are in-keeping with the pillars of the Ithra Centre, as the Saudi Film Festival will provide attendees with a 'distinguished package of cultural an enriching programs'.
With a whole host of categories, and more than thirty coveted Golden Palm trophies and titles up for grabs, there will be several competitions held during the Saudi Film Festival.
Receiving a Golden Palm has become one of the industry's most prestigious recognitions of talent both in-front of the camera and behind the camera.
Prizes will be awarded across various categories including for screen-writing, documentary making, best actor, and post production support to name just a few.
The 2023 edition of the Saudi Film Festival will honour the achievements and contribution to Arab film, of both Bahraini writer and screenwriter Amin Saleh, the author of the short story collections 'Here is the Rose' and 'Butterflies', alongside the multi award-winning Saleh Al-Fawzan, the founder of Shamel Productions.
For more information visit Saudi Film Festival or Instagram Saudi Film Festival
Thursday May 4 to Thursday May 11. Ithra Centre, Dammam
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