عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Varieties

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
TT
TT

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.

Most Viewed

 
 
Varieties

49 Saplings from Famous UK Tree that Was Illegally Chopped Down will be Shared to Mark Anniversary

FILE - A general view of the stars above Sycamore Gap prior to the Perseid Meteor Shower above Hadrian’s Wall near Bardon Mill, England, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell, File)
FILE - A general view of the stars above Sycamore Gap prior to the Perseid Meteor Shower above Hadrian’s Wall near Bardon Mill, England, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell, File)
TT
TT

49 Saplings from Famous UK Tree that Was Illegally Chopped Down will be Shared to Mark Anniversary

FILE - A general view of the stars above Sycamore Gap prior to the Perseid Meteor Shower above Hadrian’s Wall near Bardon Mill, England, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell, File)
FILE - A general view of the stars above Sycamore Gap prior to the Perseid Meteor Shower above Hadrian’s Wall near Bardon Mill, England, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell, File)

It's been a year since a sycamore tree that stood high and proud near the Roman landmark of Hadrian’s Wall in the north of England was inexplicably chopped down, triggering a wave of shock and disbelief across the UK, even among those who had never seen it up close.

Known and loved by millions, the 150-year-old tree was made famous around the world when it featured in Kevin Costner’s 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” The Sycamore Gap tree, as it was known because of its regal canopy framed between two hills, was a popular subject for landscape photographers and a great resting spot for walkers.

Now it is going to get a new lease of life — dozens of them, The AP reported.

The National Trust, a conservation charity that seeks to protect and open up historic places and green spaces to the general public, launched an initiative on Friday in which 49 saplings from the tree will be given to communities around the UK. Other saplings will be sent to the UK's 15 national parks and the local primary school.

The initiative, which also involves the local Northumberland National Park Authority and Historic England, the public organization that looks after England’s historic environment, is called “Trees of Hope” and aims to “create a new chapter in the life of this legendary tree.”

Each of the 49 saplings — one to represent each foot of the tree's height when it was felled — is expected to be 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall on delivery.

People from around the UK are invited to apply for a tree to plant in publicly accessible spaces which have emotional connections with people and communities. Entries must be made by Oct. 25, with winners announced on Nov. 18.

“The last 12 months have been a real rollercoaster of emotions, from the hopelessness and grief we felt when we discovered that the tree had been illegally felled, to experiencing the stories shared with us about just what the tree meant to so many," said Andrew Poad, general manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian’s Wall properties.

Also on Friday, the Northumberland National Park Authority is marking the anniversary of the felling with the opening of the first phase of an exhibition, “Sycamore Gap: One Year On,” including the largest remaining section of the tree.

Two men — Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers — have been charged with two counts over the felling of the tree. One count is for allegedly cutting down the tree and the second is for damage to the adjacent wall built by Emperor Hadrian in A.D. 122 to protect the northwest frontier of the Roman Empire. Prosecutors have calculated that the cost of the felling was around 620,000 pounds ($825,000).

Both have been released on bail ahead of their trial scheduled for early December.