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Red Sea Documentary Film Days Draws Crowds in Jeddah

The Red Sea Documentary Film Days captivated audiences in Jeddah between June 6 and 9 with a diverse lineup of documentaries. (SPA)
The Red Sea Documentary Film Days captivated audiences in Jeddah between June 6 and 9 with a diverse lineup of documentaries. (SPA)
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Red Sea Documentary Film Days Draws Crowds in Jeddah

The Red Sea Documentary Film Days captivated audiences in Jeddah between June 6 and 9 with a diverse lineup of documentaries. (SPA)
The Red Sea Documentary Film Days captivated audiences in Jeddah between June 6 and 9 with a diverse lineup of documentaries. (SPA)

The Red Sea Documentary Film Days, a collaboration between the Red Sea Film Festival and Art Jameel, captivated audiences in Jeddah between June 6 and 9 with a diverse lineup of documentaries. Screenings took place at Hayy Jameel, offering a rich cinematic experience, the Saudi Press Agency said on Monday.
The program had a captivating mix of films. Personal stories intertwined with explorations of cultural and historical issues, sparking lively audience interest and discussions.
Engaging dialogue sessions with filmmakers offered deeper insights into the creative process. Workshops delved into the technical aspects of documentary filmmaking, covering cinematography and classification, added SPA.
The Red Sea Documentary Film Days featured six documentaries, some of which received support from the Red Sea Fund of the Red Sea Film Foundation.

These films offer a compelling array of narratives that interest both documentary enthusiasts and casual filmgoers.

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Japanese Tourist Hotspot Kyoto to Hike Hotel Taxes

Tourists walk through the streets by Yasaka Pagoda (behind) during a visit to the city of Kyoto on January 13, 2025. (Photo by PAUL MILLER / AFP)
Tourists walk through the streets by Yasaka Pagoda (behind) during a visit to the city of Kyoto on January 13, 2025. (Photo by PAUL MILLER / AFP)
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Japanese Tourist Hotspot Kyoto to Hike Hotel Taxes

Tourists walk through the streets by Yasaka Pagoda (behind) during a visit to the city of Kyoto on January 13, 2025. (Photo by PAUL MILLER / AFP)
Tourists walk through the streets by Yasaka Pagoda (behind) during a visit to the city of Kyoto on January 13, 2025. (Photo by PAUL MILLER / AFP)

Authorities in Kyoto announced Tuesday plans for a big hike in hotel lodging taxes, as Japan's picture-perfect ancient capital seeks to assuage grumbles from locals about too many tourists.

Japan has seen foreign tourist numbers explode post-pandemic, with visitor numbers in 2024 expected to have hit a record of more than 35 million.

But like other hotspots worldwide such as Venice or Maya Bay in Thailand, this is not universally welcome -- in particular in tradition-steeped Kyoto, famed for its kimono-clad geisha performers and Buddhist temples.

For rooms in Kyoto priced at 20,000-50,000 yen ($127-317) per night, visitors will see their tax double to 1,000 yen ($6.35) per person per night, under the plans announced Tuesday, AFP reported.

For accommodation over 100,000 yen per night it will soar tenfold to 10,000 yen. The new levies will take effect next year, subject to approval from the city assembly.

"We intend to hike accommodation tax to realize 'sustainable tourism' with a high level of satisfaction for citizens, tourists and businesses," a statement said.

From Tokyo to Osaka and Fukuoka, major metropolises already levy tourists a few hundred yen per night for accommodation.

Kyoto residents have complained of tourists harassing the geisha like paparazzi in their frenzy for photos to wow their Instagram followers.

According to a recent survey, Kyoto residents are also unhappy about traffic congestion and misbehavior by travelers.

Authorities have also taken steps beyond Kyoto, including introducing an entry fee and a daily cap on the number of hikers climbing the famous Mount Fuji.

This appeared to work, with preliminary figures showing the number of climbers down by 14 percent in the summer hiking season from July to September last year.

Last year a barrier was briefly erected outside a convenience store with a spectacular view of Mount Fuji that had become a magnet for photo-hungry visitors.