Riyadh Lights Up with Glitz and Glamour at Fourth Gulf Cinema Festival
The stars were shining bright on the final day of the fourth Gulf Cinema Festival in Riyadh as award winners were crowned in a spectacular ceremony attended by the who’s who of the artistic and cinematic world, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Leading the charge was a distinguished jury headed by Ibrahim Al-Hasawi from Saudi Arabia, along with other esteemed members including Bassam Al-Thawadi from Bahrain, Rawda Al-Thani from Qatar, Khaled Amin from Kuwait, Nujoom Al-Ghanem from the UAE, and Ibrahim Al-Zadjali from Oman.
The coveted award for best feature film went to “Hajjan,” a gripping coming-of-age drama set in Saudi Arabia that follows two brothers on a mission to save their beloved camel. The film stars Omar Al-Atawi and Abdulmohsen Alnemr. Not only did it clinch the best feature film title, but it also scooped up the best photography award, with Jerry Fassbender honored for his exceptional work behind the lens. Al-Atawi’s stellar performance earned him the best actor award.
Bahraini actress Maryam Zeman stole the show with her outstanding portrayal in the movie “My Word,” earning her the best actress award.
The highly anticipated “Clouds,” a poignant short film depicting the struggles of a widower and war veteran in southern Oman, directed by Muzna Almusafer, was hailed as the best short film of the festival.
Mansoor Al-Dhaheri’s eye-opening documentary film on climate change, “Swimming 62,” took home the award for best documentary film.
Ziad Al-Hussein’s exceptional directorial skills in the film “Shiabni Hani” earned him the best director award, among other accolades.
The captivating original soundtrack by Khaled Al-Kammar in “Hawjan,” a modern take on ancient Arab jinn mythology that also premiered at the Red Sea Festival, was recognized with the best original soundtrack award.
Under the patronage of Saudi Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, who also chairs the board of directors of the Film Commission, the Gulf Cinema Festival showcased 29 films, hosted three training workshops, and organized six cultural seminars.
Abdullah Al-Qahtani, CEO of the commission, emphasized the festival’s commitment to bolstering the film sector in the region and fostering cinematic collaboration among Gulf countries. He extended his gratitude to Prince Badr for his unwavering support and sponsorship of the festival and the film industry in Saudi Arabia, as well as the general secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council.