Dhahran Film Festival: A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
The dynamic partnership between the British Council and the Saudi Cinema Association has injected new energy into the 10th edition of the Saudi Film Festival in Dhahran. This collaboration is set to elevate the industry, highlight emerging talent, and facilitate cultural exchange, according to officials and creatives involved in the event.
Taking place at the iconic King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, also known as Ithra, the festival kicked off on May 2 and is set to conclude on Thursday.
As part of the festival, Studio Ulster and the SCA joined forces to offer a specialized training program aimed at equipping Saudi filmmakers with cutting-edge animation skills. This initiative began online and continued throughout the festival, providing participants with invaluable knowledge and expertise.
In a bid to promote international collaboration, the British Council curated a selection of UK short films to be showcased during the festival. This platform not only allows filmmakers to engage with Saudi audiences but also creates opportunities for meaningful connections and partnerships to blossom.
The festival also featured a series of masterclasses led by animation legends from Blue Zoo Productions. These sessions delved into the intricacies of cultivating a thriving animation industry within the unique cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia, offering invaluable insights to aspiring filmmakers.
Amany Abouzeid, the regional arts director of British Council MENA, emphasized the festival’s role in advancing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. She stated, “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.”
UK-based film producer Tony Humphreys, who traveled from London to attend the event, expressed optimism about the week ahead. He shared his excitement about the potential for collaboration between Saudi and UK creatives, noting the energy and passion he encountered at the festival.
Ahmed Al-Mulla, the founder of SCA, reflected on the transformation within the Saudi film industry. He remarked, “Our filmmakers were dreamers; they made their films underground and then went outside the country to screen them … Now, things changed in the blink of an eye.”