Saudi Filmmakers Dive into Animation Techniques at Saudi Film Festival
DHAHRAN: As the Saudi Film Festival unfolded this week, the future of Saudi filmmaking was illuminated through a masterclass in cutting-edge animation techniques.
Led by experts from the US, the animation workshops emerged as a result of a dynamic collaboration between the festival and the American Chamber of Commerce and US Consulate in Dhahran.
The animation workshops were led by experts from the US in a fruitful partnership with the festival and the American Chamber of Commerce and US Consulate in Dhahran. (Supplied)
Todd Albert Nims, a trailblazer in shaping the Saudi film industry for the past decade, shared with Arab News that Saudi Arabia, with a population of 36 million, many under 35, holds immense potential in the realm of filmmaking.
Nims, an American hailing from Dhahran, is currently at the helm of the AmCham Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Committee. He has been deeply engaged in various facets of Saudi-centric films, from acting to producing.
“I attended the inaugural Saudi Film Festival in 2008 and collaborated with them to bring the festival to Ithra. I have been a part of this journey for the past 16 years,” he remarked.
Nims noted that many Saudis grew up watching Disney films and kickstarted their filmmaking pursuits by creating short content on YouTube.
He highlighted the vast potential for growth in the Saudi film market, expressing his desire to provide young filmmakers with the opportunity to hone their skills right in their own backyard.
Travis Blaise, boasting over three decades of expertise in animation and contributing to Disney classics like “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King,” spearheaded a five-day workshop.
“My role was to introduce a fresh and distinctive element to this Saudi Film Festival, which revolved around storytelling, specifically visual storytelling in scriptwriting,” he shared with Arab News.
Teaming up with fellow American William Winkler, Blaise devoted each day to breathing life into the big picture, crafting ideas, structuring the story, and delving into character backstories.
The objective was for each student to craft their own 30-second script. Initially starting with 11 participants, the workshop quickly swelled to 20.
“Every student was Saudi, predominantly women from various universities, with a few seasoned professionals already working in the industry,” Blaise remarked.
“I am thrilled by the enthusiasm and passion that the Saudi students exude, as I have harbored that same passion for the past 34 years. The opportunity to impart my experiences to individuals who are eager and receptive to learning about filmmaking truly excites me,” he added.
The experts expressed their dedication to fostering connections between the US and Saudi film industries, recognizing the potential for sparking inspiration, education, and entertainment among audiences both at home and abroad.
“Through filmmaking, we aim to bolster ties between the US and Saudi Arabia by nurturing mutual understanding and fostering creative collaboration,” elucidated Alison Dilworth, the US deputy chief of mission, in conversation with Arab News.