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Saudi Film Commission Set to Participate in the Shanghai International Film Festival 2024

Saudi Film Commission Set to Participate in the Shanghai International Film Festival 2024
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Saudi Film Commission Set to Participate in the Shanghai International Film Festival 2024

Saudi Film Commission Set to Participate in the Shanghai International Film Festival 2024

The Saudi Film Commission (SFC) has announced its participation in the Shanghai International Film Festival 2024, taking place from June 13 to 22 in Shanghai, China. Established in October 1993, the festival has been a cornerstone in the global film industry and is the only Chinese film festival accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), SPA reported.
SFC’s participation is a strategic move to establish the Kingdom as a global cinematic hub. The Commission aims to enhance the international presence and representation of the Saudi film industry while promoting the vast potential of Saudi filmmaking. At the festival, SFC will feature a pavilion showcasing its vision, goals, and strategies for sector development, highlighting the remarkable capabilities of the Saudi film industry, offering support and resources for potential investors, and raising awareness of the Kingdom’s cinematic achievements. This initiative fosters cultural exchange and cooperation. Additionally, the Red Sea Film Foundation, a private sector partner in the film industry, will also participate in the Saudi pavilion.
The festival is renowned for its diverse array of film screenings, workshops, and professional training sessions. It also hosts numerous industry discussions, connecting artists from around the world to celebrate the art of cinema and exchange invaluable experiences. Among its highlights, the festival will premiere several new films, adding to its vibrant lineup of events.
Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Shanghai International Film Festival represents an opportunity to solidify its presence on the global cinematic map. This engagement aligns with the significant renaissance in the Chinese film industry, underscoring the Kingdom’s ambition to become a leading cinematic destination. By interacting and collaborating with major creative centers, the Kingdom aims to enhance cultural and artistic communication with China, positively impacting the development of its film industry and expanding its horizons both locally and internationally.

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Thousands Bid Farewell to Tokyo Zoo Pandas Before Return to China

Shin Shin relaxes in her enclosure on the last day of viewing before she and another panda, Ri Ri, are sent back to China after 13 years, at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo on September 28, 2024. (Photo by Richard A. Brooks / AFP)
Shin Shin relaxes in her enclosure on the last day of viewing before she and another panda, Ri Ri, are sent back to China after 13 years, at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo on September 28, 2024. (Photo by Richard A. Brooks / AFP)
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Thousands Bid Farewell to Tokyo Zoo Pandas Before Return to China

Shin Shin relaxes in her enclosure on the last day of viewing before she and another panda, Ri Ri, are sent back to China after 13 years, at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo on September 28, 2024. (Photo by Richard A. Brooks / AFP)
Shin Shin relaxes in her enclosure on the last day of viewing before she and another panda, Ri Ri, are sent back to China after 13 years, at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo on September 28, 2024. (Photo by Richard A. Brooks / AFP)

Thousands of thankful, sobbing fans flocked to a Tokyo zoo Saturday to bid an emotional farewell to a pair of beloved pandas before their imminent return to China, Agence France Presse reported.

Sporting T-shirts, hats and sun umbrellas featuring the black and white bears, visitors shed tears, took selfies and eagerly waved at Ri Ri and Shin Shin on the panda couple's penultimate day at Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens.

More than 2,000 panda lovers formed long queues outside the zoo Saturday morning, some having spent the whole night there armed with picnic blankets and camping chairs.

Among the most committed was Mayuko Sumida, 44, who said she had arrived around 10 pm the previous night, carrying with her panda-shaped key rings.

"I'm overwhelmed," she said after admiring the two for the last time.

"They are the best duo that brings comfort and smiles to me."

The mammals are immensely popular around the world, and China loans them out as part of a "panda diplomacy" program to foster foreign ties.

The pandas Ri Ri and Shin Shin arrived at Ueno Zoo in 2011 and were due to stay until February 2026, but Japan and China agreed it would be better for the 19-year-olds to return to their home country in light of their declining health.

They will be transported back to China on Sunday.

- 'Emotional support' pandas -

On Saturday, strict crowd control measures were in place at the zoo to escort fans away after giving them just a few minutes to adore and photograph the pair through the glass.

Ri Ri and Shin Shin were "like the sun to me" and "always gave me emotional support,” Machiko Seki, who like other fans wore black to avoid window reflections ruining their pictures, told AFP.

"When I look at their smiles, whatever worries me just goes away... I can't be more grateful for them," the woman in her 50s said, shedding tears.

The pair gave birth in 2017 to cub Xiang Xiang -- the zoo's first baby panda since 1988, who became a massive draw -- as well as twins in 2021.

Many fans cried when Xiang Xiang was returned to China last year, and her departure was broadcast live on local television.

Michiyo Matoba, 61, has been coming to see Xiang Xiang's parents almost every week.

"Ri Ri loves climbing trees so I hope he will enjoy those mountains of China as much as he likes, and the glutton Shin Shin will hopefully start eating to her heart's content after regaining her health,” she said.