Saudi Hosts First Film Festival
Saudi was in quiet excitement as they held their very first film festival. All of the men were in one room drinking coffee and juice instead of the usual champagne that we see at these gatherings. All of the women came in through a back entrance and were separated into their own separate room away from the men in true Saudi fashion.
Yet, even with their strict culture they were still able to enjoy the event and you could literally feel the excitement that emanated from it. The film festival last for four days and will work to help boost the country’s film industry. Many are also hoping that it will help to open more movie theatres in the area.
“I’ve been to numerous festivals since 1976, but there’s nothing more beautiful and sincere than being honored in one’s own environment and society,” said Abdullah al-Mohaisen, a veteran Saudi director presented with an award at the ceremony. “It’s an evening that no one could have imagined.”
An event like this would never have been possible a few years ago. Even now most Saudis who have the desire to watch a movie must do it at their home on satellite TV or on censored DVD’s. These censored movies take out kissing scenes or other scenes in which people are in clubs. In the 1980’s Saudi closed down all of the movie theatres because of the rise in conservatism.
The festival is the latest sign of a trend to open up the kingdom, especially culturally, that began in 2005 when King Abdullah came to power. There’s been an upsurge in Saudi movies, usually short films that cannot be screened officially, and several newspapers now have a weekly movie page that highlights the cultural value of cinema. A few Saudi movies also have taken part in international film festivals.