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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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Indian Artisans Tackle Waste with Creative Upcycling

In this photograph taken on September 17, 2024, a person with disability, recycles plastic waste as part of the Avacayam employment program by the Society for Child Development, in New Delhi. (Photo by Sajjad HUSSAIN / AFP)
In this photograph taken on September 17, 2024, a person with disability, recycles plastic waste as part of the Avacayam employment program by the Society for Child Development, in New Delhi. (Photo by Sajjad HUSSAIN / AFP)
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Indian Artisans Tackle Waste with Creative Upcycling

In this photograph taken on September 17, 2024, a person with disability, recycles plastic waste as part of the Avacayam employment program by the Society for Child Development, in New Delhi. (Photo by Sajjad HUSSAIN / AFP)
In this photograph taken on September 17, 2024, a person with disability, recycles plastic waste as part of the Avacayam employment program by the Society for Child Development, in New Delhi. (Photo by Sajjad HUSSAIN / AFP)

The world's most populous nation India has a waste problem to match, but one group hopes their efforts can inspire change in one of the top polluters of plastic.

At a bustling workshop north of the capital New Delhi, artisan Ram Babu turns a discarded cigarette packet into a papier mache candle, AFP reported.

Babu, a 28-year-old amputee, is among scores of people with disabilities who have been trained to turn "trash to cash" and do their bit for the environment.

"It feels good to work despite my challenging situation," beamed Babu, as he deftly covered the packet with clay, using sprinkles of water.

Life held little hope for Babu after he lost his right hand and leg in a train accident in 2005.

But he found courage again when he stumbled upon the Avacayam employment program, run by the Society for Child Development, a New Delhi-based charity.

The word "Avacayam" comes from Sanskrit, and roughly translates to "gathering flowers".

Avacayam participants turn orange and yellow flowers that were offered in temples and later gathered up into incense sticks and colored powder used widely in festivals.

They also transform fallen idols of Hindu gods and goddesses -- often left piled under sacred trees -- into sacred powder for temple rituals.

"I have been working for more than 14 years now. My life has found a new direction and purpose," said Babu, who earns 10,000 rupees ($120) a month.

Others like Babu make decorative items, bags and pouches out of recycled waste, which is collected every day at their sprawling center.

Plastic bottles are also reused to make a variety of craft products.

The group's efforts scrape the surface.

In India, municipal governments with limited resources often struggle to manage mountains of waste, with towering piles of foul-smelling rubbish littering the edge of New Delhi.

India generates more than 65 million tons of waste in a year, according to a report by The Energy and Resources Institute, a New Delhi-based research group, but only around a fifth is processed and treated.

A study in Nature published this month named India as the largest plastic pollution emitter, producing nearly one-fifth of global plastic emissions.

Global experts -- including the multi-nation "High Ambition Coalition" -- argue the focus must not only be on waste treatment, but urgently required control measures on plastic production itself.

Charity groups such as Avacayam say they set an example, doing what they can.

"We collect waste and trash from offices, homes and factories," said Madhumita Puri, the founder of the Society for Child Development.

"Then we recycle them to make beautiful things which can be enjoyed again."

Puri said the work also helps people with disabilities live a life of dignity.

Abdul Sheikh, whose legs were stunted by polio, had little means of employment until Puri's charity knocked at his door.

"I learnt that day that we should never lose hope in the face of adversities," said Sheikh, 30, who makes decorative papier mache items.

"Now I don't have to depend on others for anything. I don't have legs but today I am standing on my feet."