Each screening will be followed by a question-and-answer session with visiting Saudi film representatives.
Saudi Film Commission, in collaboration with Australian production company Blacksand Pictures, has announced the ‘Saudi Film Nights’ to be held at the Sydney Opera House and Sofitel Melbourne on Collins from June 26 to 28, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
This event aims to foster collaboration between the Australian and Saudi film industries, featuring screenings of notable Saudi films. In Sydney, audiences can watch Hajjan by Abu Bakr Shawky, represented by producer Majed Samman and actor Ibrahim Alhasawi, alongside the short film Me & Aydarous, directed by Sara Balghonaim and represented by actress Ida Alkusay.
In Melbourne, the feature comedy-drama Alhamour H.A. by Abdulelah Alqurashi will be shown alongside the animated stop-motion short Saleeg by Afnan Bawyan, with actor Khaled Yeslam and concept artist Raghad Albarqi in attendance. Each screening will be followed by a Q&A session with the visiting Saudi film talents, attended mainly by local film industry professionals.
Speaking about the event, Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Qahtani, CEO of Saudi Film Commission, said: “Saudi Film Nights reflects the Commission’s commitment to promoting the Kingdom’s film culture and highlighting Saudi films on an international stage. We are also fostering collaboration between international film communities, including the Australian film industry, to exchange expertise and knowledge.”
Kauthar Abdulalim, Founder of Blacksand Pictures, added: “The selection committee, composed of Alan Finney and Jane Jeffes, has chosen some of the best Saudi productions to present in Australia.”
This event underscores the Saudi Film Commission’s dedication to fostering global partnerships and leveraging cultural exchange as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to establish strong relationships in the global cinema arena for the exchange of expertise and knowledge.
