عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Varieties

Saudi Film Commission Participates in 2024 Toronto International Film Festival

The Saudi Film Commission logo
The Saudi Film Commission logo
TT
TT

Saudi Film Commission Participates in 2024 Toronto International Film Festival

The Saudi Film Commission logo
The Saudi Film Commission logo

The Saudi Film Commission is participating in the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), held from September 5 to 15.

TIFF is one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, drawing filmmakers, critics, and audiences globally and serving as a premier platform for showcasing global cinema.

‏This year, the commission will feature a dedicated pavilion highlighting prominent Saudi film projects and initiatives, providing visitors with a unique experience to explore the Kingdom's vast history and vibrant creativity in the film industry.

In addition, a delegation from the commission, along with a group of Saudi filmmakers, will be attending to represent the diverse talents and voices of the Saudi film community.

‏The pavilion embodies the commission’s commitment to advancing the film industry in Saudi Arabia, showcasing recent achievements and highlighting opportunities for international‏ collaboration and partnerships. It aims to attract global interest in Saudi stories and productions while strengthening connections with filmmakers from around the world.

‏The Saudi Film Commission's participation in the Toronto International Film Festival aligns with its strategy to elevate Saudi cinema on the global stage, support Saudi talent, and contribute to the growth of the global film industry.

Most Viewed

 
 
Varieties

'Amphibious Mouse' among 27 New Species Discovered in Peru's Amazon

A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
TT
TT

'Amphibious Mouse' among 27 New Species Discovered in Peru's Amazon

A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS

An "amphibious mouse" with partially webbed feet that eats aquatic insects was among 27 new species discovered during a 2022 expedition to Peru's Amazon, according to Conservation International.

Scientists also discovered a spiny mouse, a squirrel, eight types of fish, three amphibians and 10 types of butterflies, Trond Larsen, head of Conservation International's Rapid Assessment Program, told Reuters this week.

He added that another 48 species found by investigators were potentially new, but needed further study.

The new species were found in Alto Mayo, a protected area with several ecosystems, Indigenous territories and villages.

"Discovering so many new species of mammals and vertebrates is really incredible, especially in such a human-influenced landscape as Alto Mayo," Larsen said.

The expedition between June and July 2022 was made up of 13 scientists plus local technicians and members of Indigenous groups.

"It was really fantastic to work so closely with the Awajun people. They have extensive traditional knowledge about the forests, animals and plants they live side-by-side with," Larsen said.

Among the new species, Larsen highlighted the spiny mouse that has stiff fur, the amphibious mouse, and a dwarf squirrel that measures 14 cm (5.5 in).

"(The squirrel) fits so easily in the palm of your hand. Adorable and beautiful chestnut-brown color, very fast," Larsen said. "It jumps quickly and hides in the trees."

Another favorite discovery was the blob-headed fish, a type of armored catfish, he said.

A total of 2,046 species were recorded during the 38-day expedition using camera traps, bioacoustic sensors and DNA sampling. Among them, 49 were classified as threatened, including the yellow-tailed woolly monkey and the tree monkey.

Larsen said the discoveries reinforced the need to protect the area.

"Unless steps are taken now to safeguard these sites and help restore parts of the landscape ... there's a strong chance they won't persist in the long term," Larsen said.