Saudi Arabia Heads to Cannes to Promote Flourishing Film Industry, Support Emerging Talent

Crew members install the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals, ahead of the opening day of the 75th Cannes Film Festival. (AP)
Crew members install the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals, ahead of the opening day of the 75th Cannes Film Festival. (AP)
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Saudi Arabia Heads to Cannes to Promote Flourishing Film Industry, Support Emerging Talent

Crew members install the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals, ahead of the opening day of the 75th Cannes Film Festival. (AP)
Crew members install the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals, ahead of the opening day of the 75th Cannes Film Festival. (AP)

The Saudi Film Commission (SFC), is participating in the 75th edition of the Cannes International Film Festival which runs from 17-28 May, to build awareness of the country's rapidly developing film industry, showcase its unique cinematic and pristine locations, and champion new and exciting talent in a drive to become a world-class hub for film and TV production.

Located in the International Village, the Saudi Pavilion will be the epicenter of information, events, panel discussions, and networking, bringing together country partners who are making great strides in building the industry and enhancing the ecosystem in the Kingdom, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday.

The Saudi Film Commission will be joined by partners from across the Saudi film sector including the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF), Film AlUla (the Royal Commission for AlUla’s film agency), the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA), the media hub of NEOM, and Ithra (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture). MBC GROUP, the largest media company in the Middle East and North Africa region will be also present at the pavilion this year.

They are joined by other entities covering several sectors of the media and entertainment industry including production, distribution, content creation and talent development.

A delegation of promising Saudi film talent shaping the filmmaking culture of Saudi Arabia will also head to Cannes showcasing the best of the rapidly flourishing filmmaking scene. They will present their work at the Short Film Corner, a successful sidebar to the Festival organized by the Marché du Film and designed to give a new generation of filmmakers a platform on the global stage.

Abdullah Al Eyaf, CEO of the Saudi Film Commission, said: “We are thrilled to return to the Cannes Film Festival to connect with the international film industry to build awareness around what is happening in our flourishing creative sector and to showcase the country as a truly unique and exciting film destination.”

“The Festival is the perfect platform to champion emerging talent who will showcase their work on the big screen to the global film industry. This is an exciting time for Saudi Arabia, and Cannes provides a crucial opportunity for us to maximize opportunities as we drive the rapid growth of the industry.”

The Saudi Film Commission will also present the State of Arabia Conference at the Marché du Film featuring Saudi producer and director Aymen Khoja, Egyptian producer Mohammed Hefzy, and Tunisian director Lotfy Nathan.

Nathan is making his feature debut with “Harka” a recipient of the RSIFF’s Red Sea Souk Award and screening as part of the Festivals Certain Regard section.

The panel will explore the future of Arab cinema and discuss the opportunities and challenges that need to be addressed in order to build a robust industry that will elevate Arab cinema and command the attention it deserves.

Film AlUla will take the stage to introduce the country as a global film hub at the American Pavilion joined by Stephen Strachan, Film AlUla, Abduljalil Alnasser, General Manager of Sector Development and Investment Attraction at the Saudi Film Commission, Wayne Borg, Managing Director Media Industries, Entertainment and Culture at NEOM, Zeinab Abu Alsamh, General Manager of MBC Studios, Matt Rhodes, Producer and President at The Hideaway Entertainment and Christian Mercuri, CEO of Capstone.

The group will discuss the international and regional ambitions to become a production powerhouse, huge internal investment combined with a strong financial incentive offering, and a film-friendly ecosystem to support productions in an exciting new destination for filmmakers.

Over the last 18 months Saudi Arabia has provided the backdrop for three major Hollywood films, Ric Roman Waugh’s action thriller “Kandahar” filmed in the extraordinary landscape of AlUla, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra, and Jeddah, Rupert Wyatt’s historical epic “Desert Warrior” shot in the incredible new city state of NEOM and the region of Tabuk, and the Russo Brothers’ crime drama “Cherry” shot in AlUla and the capital Riyadh.

In addition, eight local feature films have reached completion in the last 12 months and ready to hit the festival circuit along with a slate of documentaries, commercials and local productions including “Norah”, written and directed by Tawfik Alzaidi and “Within Sand”, directed by Moe Alatawi.

Both films were recipients of a fund award at the Saudi Film Commission’s Daw’ Film Competition, an initiative launched by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture in September 2019 to support Saudi film production and champion the next generation of filmmakers by establishing a sustainable funding program to bring Saudi content to the screen and wider global audiences.

Saudi Arabia hosts two film festivals annually, the Saudi Film Festival, now in its 8th edition, has grown to become a crucial springboard for exciting new voices, and the Red Sea International Film Festival which enjoyed a successful first edition in 2021, showcasing 136 films, representing 68 countries in 35 languages, including 28 world premieres with 38% of the program made up of female filmmakers and 27 homegrown features and shorts from exciting new Saudi voices.



OIC Secretary General Stresses Significance of Unity, Solidarity among Muslims

Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha speaks at the "Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" international conference in Makkah. (SPA)
Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha speaks at the "Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" international conference in Makkah. (SPA)
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OIC Secretary General Stresses Significance of Unity, Solidarity among Muslims

Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha speaks at the "Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" international conference in Makkah. (SPA)
Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha speaks at the "Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" international conference in Makkah. (SPA)

Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha emphasized on Monday the significance of unity, solidarity and rapprochement among Muslims, as stressed in the actual teachings of Islam.

He made his remarks at the "Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" international conference in the holy city of Makkah.

He encouraged OIC member states to work towards achieving the requirements of solidarity, unification of speech, and rank, and to bring sects, schools of thought, and jurisprudence closer together. This would help overcome any division that weakens them.

Taha pointed out that the Islamic heritage is replete with principles of intellectual openness and acceptance of differences. This underlines the importance of strengthening Islamic unity and the common destiny of the Ummah, placing significant responsibilities on the OIC member states to work towards this goal.

The OIC has been actively working towards bringing Islamic countries closer together in various domains, including political, economic, cultural, and social. It has also made significant efforts in promoting unity among different Islamic sects.

To this end, in 1981, the OIC established the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) as an intellectual and jurisprudential arm. The IIFA is mandated to facilitate collective ijtihad and promote consensus on matters related to jurisprudence and doctrine among the Muslim community, irrespective of their sects.

Taha expressed his optimism that the results and recommendations of this significant conference will help in consolidating jurisprudence and lead to the construction of bridges between sects while simultaneously combating extremism, fanaticism and Islamophobia.

He conveyed his unwavering support for the Palestinian people regarding the challenges they are facing and urged the global community to take on its responsibilities in this regard.


Saudi Leadership Congratulates Putin on Re-election as President of Russia

Saudi Leadership Congratulates Putin on Re-election as President of Russia
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Saudi Leadership Congratulates Putin on Re-election as President of Russia

Saudi Leadership Congratulates Putin on Re-election as President of Russia

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud sent on Monday a cable of congratulations to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of his re-election for a new presidential term.

In the cable, he expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes of success and prosperity to the Russian president and further progress and prosperity to the people of Russia

He praised the relations between the two friendly countries and peoples, which all seek to strengthen and develop in all fields.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent Putin a similar cable of congratulations.

Earlier, Crown Prince Mohammed received a written message from President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev concerning relations between the two countries.

The message was received on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed bin AbdulKarim El-Khereiji, who met with Uzbekistan’s First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhromjon Aloyev in Riyadh.

The officials discussed relations between their countries, ways to strengthen and develop them in all fields, and issues of common interest.


Bueno to Asharq Al-Awsat: Exempting Gulf Nationals from Schengen Visa Is on the Table

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi meets with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. (GCC file photo)
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi meets with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. (GCC file photo)
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Bueno to Asharq Al-Awsat: Exempting Gulf Nationals from Schengen Visa Is on the Table

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi meets with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. (GCC file photo)
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi meets with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. (GCC file photo)

European Union Arabic Spokesperson for the Middle East and North Africa Luis Miguel Bueno stressed that the upcoming visit by Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi to Brussels will tackle several issues, including the Schengen visa.

Days earlier, Albudaiwi had told reporters that his visit will discuss exempting Gulf residents of the visa, saying he was optimistic about the issue.

London had announced that residents of the GCC and Jordan would no longer need to apply for a visa to travel to Britain.

On whether the EU plans on following in Britain’s footsteps, Bueno told Asharq Al-Awsat that the European Commission had suggested in 2022 that Qatar and Kuwaiti nationals be exempt from applying for the Schengen.

He said internal discussions need to take place among EU member states and the European Parliament over this issue.

The European Commission is inclined towards going ahead with the exemptions for Qatar and Kuwait, but the process is “complicated and needs to go through the European Council and European Parliament.”

Bueno said he did not expect quick results from the discussions or that they would come to light after Albudaiwi’s visit.


Kuwait Parliamentary Elections Candidates Appeal Ministry’s Annulment of their Nominations 

Kuwaiti lawmakers attend the opening ceremony of the 17th parliamentary term at the National Assembly (parliament) in Kuwait City on October 31, 2023. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)
Kuwaiti lawmakers attend the opening ceremony of the 17th parliamentary term at the National Assembly (parliament) in Kuwait City on October 31, 2023. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)
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Kuwait Parliamentary Elections Candidates Appeal Ministry’s Annulment of their Nominations 

Kuwaiti lawmakers attend the opening ceremony of the 17th parliamentary term at the National Assembly (parliament) in Kuwait City on October 31, 2023. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)
Kuwaiti lawmakers attend the opening ceremony of the 17th parliamentary term at the National Assembly (parliament) in Kuwait City on October 31, 2023. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)

The Administrative Court in Kuwait began receiving appeals of National Assembly candidates whose nominations were cancelled by the Interior Ministry.

The court is expected to look into the appeals on Monday.

The deadline to submit candidacies for the elections ended on Wednesday. Since then, the elections committee has been reviewing nominations to determine whether they are in line with regulations.

It has filed a report on its decision to the Interior Ministry.

The disqualified candidates are Ahmed Motieh, Jaber al-Muhailabi, Marzouq al-Habini, Marzouq al-Khalifa, Sheikh Mishal al-Malek, Mohammed al-Juwaihel, Walid Nasser, Mohammed al-Azmi, Hani Hussein, Adel al-Saeedi and Mubarak Trad.


KSrelief Distributes 760 Food Baskets in Sudan's River Nile State

KSrelief distributes 760 food baskets to the most underprivileged and displaced households in several areas in Sudan's River Nile State. (SPA)
KSrelief distributes 760 food baskets to the most underprivileged and displaced households in several areas in Sudan's River Nile State. (SPA)
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KSrelief Distributes 760 Food Baskets in Sudan's River Nile State

KSrelief distributes 760 food baskets to the most underprivileged and displaced households in several areas in Sudan's River Nile State. (SPA)
KSrelief distributes 760 food baskets to the most underprivileged and displaced households in several areas in Sudan's River Nile State. (SPA)

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) distributed on Saturday 760 food baskets to the most underprivileged and displaced households in several areas in Sudan's River Nile State.

The aid benefited 4,370 individuals as part of the second phase of a project to support food security in Sudan.

The aid is part of relief and humanitarian projects that Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, offers to several needy and affected countries and peoples around the world.

On Friday, KSrelief distributed 2,195 food baskets to the neediest and displaced families in Sudan’s Sennar State, benefiting 11,481 individuals.


King Salman Directs Disbursement of over SAR3 Bln in Ramadan Assistance to Social Security Beneficiaries

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. (SPA)
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King Salman Directs Disbursement of over SAR3 Bln in Ramadan Assistance to Social Security Beneficiaries

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud directed on Sunday the disbursement of over SAR3 billion in Ramadan assistance to beneficiaries of social security, with an amount of SAR1,000 for family heads and SAR500 for dependents.

Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Eng. Ahmad bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi expressed his gratitude and appreciation to King Salman for this generous initiative for the beneficiaries of social security.

The funds will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries in the coming hours.


Saudi Leadership Congratulates President of Ireland on National Day

Saudi Leadership Congratulates President of Ireland on National Day
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Saudi Leadership Congratulates President of Ireland on National Day

Saudi Leadership Congratulates President of Ireland on National Day

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud sent on Sunday a cable of congratulations to President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins on his country's National Day.

He wished Higgins continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Ireland steady progress and prosperity.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent the Irish leader as similar cable on the occasion.


Kuwait Interior Ministry’s Call to Report Citizenship Fraud Turns into Elections Fodder

 A vendor arranges decorative items in his shop at a market in Kuwait City on March 10, 2024, ahead of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)
A vendor arranges decorative items in his shop at a market in Kuwait City on March 10, 2024, ahead of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)
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Kuwait Interior Ministry’s Call to Report Citizenship Fraud Turns into Elections Fodder

 A vendor arranges decorative items in his shop at a market in Kuwait City on March 10, 2024, ahead of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)
A vendor arranges decorative items in his shop at a market in Kuwait City on March 10, 2024, ahead of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)

The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry’s announcement on Saturday of a hotline to report cases of dual citizenship and citizenship forgery has stirred heated debate in the country.

In a statement, the ministry said the hotline was part of a legal measure as part of its efforts “to combat crime, corruption and preserve the national identity and public interest.”

Every person aware of a crime is obligated by law to report it, it stressed.

All measures taken by the ministry are in line with the constitution and laws, it went on to say after receiving a wave of criticism over the hotline.

Also on Saturday, four decrees were issued to revoke the citizenship of 26 people for various reasons.

It was the latest in such decisions. Around 30 people have had their citizenship revoked this month after it was found that they had obtained it through fraud.

Among the people targeted in the decision was opposition figure Hakim al-Mutairi, head of the Ummah Party. He was arrested and interrogated by Turkish authorities last year as Ankara attempts to improve its ties with the Gulf. Mutairi resides in Türkiye.

He was found guilty by Kuwait of involvement in the so-called “Gaddafi Leaks” case. Mutairi was accused of asking for funds from late Libyan leader Moammar al-Gaddafi to stir unrest in Gulf countries.

Elections fodder

The Interior Ministry’s request to report citizenship fraud has turned into fodder for the upcoming National Assembly elections.

Several former lawmakers and current candidates viewed the move as an attempt to “create strife” and turn people into informants.

Candidate Obeid al-Wasmi said: “It is inappropriate for the Interior Ministry to use the national identity as a subject for debate.”

“It is also inappropriate for it to recruit people as informants,” he added.

Former MP and current candidate Saud al-Asfoor said: “Making people suspicious of each other and inciting them to spy on each other will harm the country.”

Candidate Bader Sayar al-Shammari remarked: “The Kuwaitis are free people and have stuck together during the hardest times. They will not heed the call of a bankrupt discriminatory government that wants to drag them towards hatred.”


MWL to Organize 'Building Bridges between Islamic Sects' Conference in Makkah on Sunday

MWL to Organize 'Building Bridges between Islamic Sects' Conference in Makkah on Sunday
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MWL to Organize 'Building Bridges between Islamic Sects' Conference in Makkah on Sunday

MWL to Organize 'Building Bridges between Islamic Sects' Conference in Makkah on Sunday

Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, a landmark conference aimed at fostering understanding and cooperation between Islamic sects will be held in Makkah on Sunday.

The Muslim World League (MWL) is organizing the international event, "Building Bridges Between Islamic Sects." Prominent Islamic figures, including muftis and senior scholars from various Islamic sects, are expected to attend.

The conference seeks to strengthen relations between different Islamic schools of thought through dialogue and collaboration. It will focus on key issues that demand a unified Islamic perspective.

A crucial aspect of the conference is countering the rhetoric and practices of sectarian extremism that have fueled conflict and damaged the image of Islam. Participants will emphasize respectful dialogue and the importance of avoiding insults or disdain towards any Islamic sect.

The conference aims to develop a roadmap for greater Islamic awareness through a "Document for Building Bridges between Islamic Sects." The document, expected to be released at the conclusion of the conference, will address various scholarly topics presented by leading Islamic scholars and muftis.

The MWL, recognizing its pivotal role in uniting Islamic scholars, highlighted the significance of the conference in fostering trust and cooperation between Islamic sects based on Islamic values.

Secretary-General of the MWL and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa expressed his deepest gratitude on behalf of the league's councils and institutions to King Salman and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, for their generous patronage of the event.


14th Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Poland to Deliver Aid to Ukrainian People

The shipment reflects Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to supporting people in need around the globe. SPA
The shipment reflects Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to supporting people in need around the globe. SPA
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14th Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Poland to Deliver Aid to Ukrainian People

The shipment reflects Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to supporting people in need around the globe. SPA
The shipment reflects Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to supporting people in need around the globe. SPA

The 14th Saudi relief plane operated by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) arrived on Saturday at the Polish Rzeszow Airport, located near the Ukrainian border, carrying 80 tons of relief aid supplies, including electric generators and appliances.

The aircraft will cross the Polish border into Ukraine. This latest shipment reflects Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to supporting people in need around the globe.

KSrelief has consistently provided vital aid to those facing difficulties and emergencies, demonstrating the Kingdom's dedication to international humanitarian efforts.