DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, known as Ithra, has partnered with the Cinema Society in Dhahran to launch initiatives and programs aimed at developing the film sector in Saudi Arabia and helping local industry professionals to improve their skills.
The agreement was signed by Ithra’s director, Abdullah Al-Rashed, and Hana Al-Omair, president of the Cinema Society, during the 9th edition of the Saudi Film Festival.
The partnership intends to create opportunities for aspiring talents in the local film industry to participate in programs where they can learn from established professionals and develop their skills. The collaboration will also empower content providers to offer opportunities for skill development.
Ithra’s director, Abdullah Al-Rashed, emphasized the importance of the collaboration because of the critical roles of both organizations in the cultural sector. Cinema Society President, Hana Al-Omair, stated that the organization’s goals include supporting the cultural sector and promoting creative and meaningful cinematic content.
Saudi Film Festival
The Saudi Film Festival, which started on May 4 and runs until May 11, is featuring film screenings and other activities at Ithra, including a specialized program for industry professionals. Public screenings are available, followed by conversations with the filmmakers.
The festival offers a chance to experience cinematic virtual reality, in which films are shown in a fully immersive, 360-degree form with specialized audio and visuals to provide a heightened sensory experience.
The festival includes a production market for industry professionals to meet, chat and network. Discussion sessions will focus on a range of topics related to the film industry in Saudi Arabia, including the Red Sea Film Festival, the Film Commission, NEOM, and Film AlUla.
Masterclasses presented in English and Arabic by international and local industry experts will explore various film- and script-related topics, such as “Grab Them At Hello,” “General VFX,” “Creative Writing,” “Co-Productions in Documentary and Feature Films,” “The Perfection of Our Creative Flaws,” “Strategic PR for Festivals,” and “Distribution.”
The partnership between Ithra and the Cinema Society aims to encourage and inspire the growth of the film industry in Saudi Arabia by offering the necessary support and resources to industry professionals and aspiring talents.
