Saudi Arabia's Deputy Minister of Culture Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez inaugurated the first edition of the Saudi Film Confex on Sunday at the Riyadh Front EXPO.
The event, which was held under the patronage of Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Film Commission Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, draws select Arab and international filmmakers and several national, regional and international directors and industry experts in the Kingdom.
In the opening speech, Fayez stressed that art and culture continue to represent the spirit of Saudi society and are fundamental pillars of the Kingdom’s development.
According to SPa, he pointed to the efforts of the Ministry of Culture and the Saudi Film Commission to build a bright future for filmmaking and arts, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030, which was launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
“Over the past few years, the film industry has been changing rapidly. Saudi films have placed our country onto the cultural world map in national and international arenas, and continue to highlight the creativity and talent available throughout the Kingdom,” Fayez said.
He stressed that the Ministry of Culture seeks to support filmmaking by establishing and developing industry-specific forums, such as the Saudi Film Confex, to ensure the exchange of experience, and facilitate communication among artists, local creators and international filmmakers.
He added: “We believe in the power of cinema and films and their prominent role in changing reality for the better and spreading our culture throughout the world. Therefore, the Film Commission will continue to support artistic and cinematic initiatives, contribute to developing skills, and expand the horizons of creativity, all of which come within the framework of our firm commitment to developing the art and cinema sector in our country.”
The “Saudi Film Confex” is a platform that brings together relevant parties to enhance and promote filmmaking and to publicize its importance to the national economy and investment opportunities in this field through three main pillars: industry trends, global practices, and challenges and opportunities in filmmaking; more than 100 experts and international figures in the field of filmmaking take part in it.
Some 50 speakers, including executives, investors and specialists from all over the world, will discuss the latest topics and technologies that support the film industry and its operations, and organize workshops, training sessions, and displays of cinematic products, projects and innovations related to filmmaking in the Kingdom and globally.
