Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Photo: SPA
Saudi Arabia’s Film Commission will take part in the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, one of the world’s most respected and oldest film celebrations. This participation shows how far the country has come in developing its movie industry.
The Film 'Hijra' Earns a Spot in the Spotlight
This year, a Saudi film called “Hijra” has been officially selected for the Venice Spotlight Competition. This is a huge milestone for the Saudi film industry and highlights the country's growing presence in the global film scene.
Talented Director Behind ‘Hijra’
The film Hijra is written and directed by Shahad Ameen, a talented Saudi filmmaker. Her unique storytelling style and vision earned her a place at the prestigious event.
Support from the Daw Film Support Program
The film is supported by the “Daw” Film Support Program, which is an initiative of the Saudi Film Commission. This program aims to help Saudi filmmakers turn their ideas into films and share their stories worldwide.
Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Identity
By supporting films like Hijra, the Kingdom is promoting its cultural identity, encouraging original narratives, and showcasing Saudi creativity to international audiences.
CEO of the Film Commission Shares His Thoughts
Abdullah Al-Qahtani, the CEO of the Saudi Film Commission, expressed pride and excitement about the country’s participation. He said it reflects the progress of Saudi cinema and the hard work of Saudi filmmakers.
Empowering Young Saudi Storytellers
According to Al-Qahtani, the Daw Program is empowering a new generation of Saudi storytellers. It gives them the tools and platforms needed to share their voices with people around the world.
Representing the Kingdom with Honor
Al-Qahtani added that being part of the Venice Film Festival is an honor for the Kingdom. It opens the door to new opportunities and partnerships for Saudi talent and helps build connections in the global film industry.
Hosting Roundtable on Engaging Young Viewers
During the festival, the Film Commission will host a roundtable discussion titled “Young Audiences and Cinemas”. This talk will explore how to keep younger generations interested in watching movies in theaters.
Bringing Global and Local Ideas Together
The roundtable will feature both global and local experts. They will share ideas, research, and strategies on how to make cinema more exciting and relevant for young people in today’s digital world.
Panel Discussion on Creating Cinematic Success
The Film Commission is also organizing a panel discussion called “Making Cinematic Success”. This session will highlight Saudi filmmakers who have successfully built movies that reflect local culture but connect globally.
Highlighting Saudi Storytelling Talent
These filmmakers will share how they turn everyday Saudi experiences and culture into powerful stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. It’s a way of showing that local stories can have global impact.
Showcasing Nine Short Films from Saudi Arabia
Another exciting part of Saudi Arabia’s participation will be special screenings of nine Saudi short films. These films were carefully selected to showcase the wide variety of stories and styles from within the Kingdom.
Diversity in Saudi Cinema
Each short film brings a different point of view, showing the depth and richness of Saudi creativity. From emotional stories to bold ideas, these films represent the country's storytelling power.
Daw Program: A Key Driver for Growth
The Daw Film Support Program, which supported Hijra, continues to be a major force in helping Saudi filmmakers. It not only funds projects but also helps them reach international platforms.
Helping Filmmakers Reach Global Audiences
Thanks to Daw, more Saudi filmmakers are getting recognized globally. Their work is now being seen at major festivals and receiving critical acclaim from film experts around the world.
Vision 2030 and Cultural Development
This international presence fits perfectly with Saudi Vision 2030, which is the country’s plan to build a stronger economy by focusing on sectors like arts, entertainment, and culture.
Reducing Oil Dependency through Creative Industries
Saudi Arabia is working to diversify its economy. Instead of depending mainly on oil, it is investing in creative industries like film to provide more jobs, opportunities, and global recognition.
Film as a Tool for International Dialogue
By participating in festivals like Venice, Saudi Arabia is showing the world that it is serious about being a global cultural player. It wants its stories to be seen, heard, and understood on a global scale.
Empowering the Next Generation of Artists
The Kingdom is also showing its commitment to young creatives, giving them the support, tools, and platforms to chase their dreams and tell stories that matter.
Connecting Local Stories with the World
Saudi Arabia wants the world to understand its people, culture, and experiences. By promoting local stories on global stages, it creates a bridge between Saudi culture and international audiences.
A Proud Moment for Saudi Cinema
To sum it up, the participation of Hijra at the Venice International Film Festival is a proud moment for Saudi Arabia. It’s more than just a film screening—it’s a sign that Saudi cinema has arrived on the world stage.
A Message to the World from the Kingdom
Through this event, the Kingdom is saying: “We have stories to tell, talent to share, and culture to celebrate—and we’re ready for the world to listen.”
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