For the first time, the festival will also hold events in the new Al-Khobar Cinematheque.
Bahraini filmmaker Ahmed Akbar’s short film A Day is set to have its world premiere at the upcoming Saudi Film Festival, scheduled to run from May 2 to 9. The event, organised by the Cinema Association in collaboration with Ithra and with the support of the Saudi Ministry of Culture’s Film Commission, promises to showcase a diverse range of cinematic talent in its landmark 10th edition.
A Day, written and directed by Ahmed Akbar, delves into the story of an elderly man grappling with loneliness and a sense of insignificance as he reaches the age of 70. Reflecting on his past and observing societal changes, he finds himself increasingly isolated as memories fade and losses accumulate.
Produced by Mohamed Fareed of Blu Steel Films, A Day features a talented cast including Yehya Abdalrasool, Mohammed Al-Saeed, Mosa Jaffar, and Ali Al-Ghais, with global distribution handled by MAD Solutions.
Speaking about the opportunity to participate in the Saudi Film Festival, Ahmed Akbar said: “I’m honoured to be a part of one of the most distinguished film festivals in the Arab world. It has always been a dream of mine to share my film with the global and the Saudi audience. In A Day, I wanted to highlight how we encounter numerous struggles as we mature, believing that peace will accompany ageing. However, the hardships of elderly life prove to be unbearable.”
Ahmed Akbar, a Bahraini filmmaker and editor, draws inspiration from acclaimed directors such as Wong Kar-Wai, Abbas Kiarostami, Krzysztof Kieslowski, and Michael Haneke. His approach to filmmaking, influenced by a diverse range of directorial styles, has earned him recognition both domestically and internationally.
Among his notable works are three short films — Calendar (2018); Window (2019), recipient of a grant from the Made with Passion Festival; and Salam (2021), awarded a grant from the French Embassy in Bahrain. In addition to his directorial pursuits, Ahmed has lent his editing expertise to several short films originating from Bahrain, further establishing his footprint in the realm of filmmaking.