Published on: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 – 4:49 PM | Last updated: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 – 4:49 PM
The Red Sea International Film Festival announced that it has selected 19 films to participate in the “New Saudi Cinema” program in the short films category. The duration of all films ranges from 5 minutes to 44 minutes, and discusses topics related to confronting extremism, social adaptation, and overcoming personal conflicts.
The films selected for this year’s short film category include:
* “Khaled Al-Sheikh: Between the Thorns of Art and Politics” by director Jamal Kutbi, is a documentary film that explores the journey of Bahraini artist Khaled Al-Sheikh after he left the world of politics to pursue learning music.
* “The Last Winter” by director Haider Dawoud is a poignant documentary that follows the director and his friend Mohsen as they suffer homesickness in the harsh Scandinavian winter and remember their homeland, Saudi Arabia.
* The film “105 Street” by director Abdul Rahman Al-Jandal, inspired by a true story about two Saudi policemen, Marwan and Nasser, as they confront an ISIS cell in the city of Riyadh.
* The film “Shunt” by director Dhafer Al Shehri revolves around the life of an employee who works remotely, and whose dreams slowly fade due to isolation.
* “The Journey” by director Hania Bakhshwain. The film tells the story of Alia, a single mother and Uber driver, as she faces societal challenges with the burdens and responsibilities of life placed on her shoulders.
* “Basin” by director Rima Al Majed. The film’s events revolve around the story of Alia, who confronts her inner fears while setting out to achieve her hidden passion of becoming a screenwriter.
* “I’m Fine” by director Faisal Al-Zahrani. The film tells the captivating story of the mute boy Khair and his doll friend, Zaatar, as they explore experiences of loss and death.
* “Extended Intensity” by director Sultan Rabie. Its events revolve around Samer’s attempts to get some sleep after spending a night out, despite the constant interruptions from his family that prevent him from doing so.
* “Kam Kam” by director Durr Jamjoom. The film revolves around Dana, a spoiled 17-year-old girl, as she learns how to control and manage her emotions through playing and spending her vacation on the beach with her friends.
* The movie “Saliq” by director Afnan Bawyan, narrates Hajar’s adventure while cooking saliq and turning it into a special and memorable experience shared by her neighbors.
* “Monster from the Sky,” directed by Maryam Khayat, tells the adventure story of a playful fish that goes on a mission to save its fellow sea creatures from a deadly monster.
* “In Something” by director Abbas Hamid Al-Din tells the poignant story of two brothers as they search for happiness amidst the chaos of a war-torn region.
* The film “Antidote” by director Hassan Saeed. The film’s events revolve around Ali, a young man who loves popular music, who gives his favorite singer his latest recording, after the singer lost his voice.
* “The Old School” by director Abdullah Al-Khamis. The film narrates the suffering of a hero and his attempts to adapt to his new work environment after his long absence.
* The film “Art Block” by director Abdel Rahman Batawi. The film’s events revolve around Abboud, the creative designer, who faces the pressures of completing a project within a specific period of time.
* The film “The Last Thread” by director Joanna Al-Zahrani. The film deals with the story of a woman’s life and her persistent attempts to overcome the restrictions that limit her level of creativity.
* “Salem’s Legs” by director Talal Al-Musaed. The film tells the story of two friends whose lives take an unexpected turn when they embark on a new experience.
* “Jamil the Happy” by director Osama Khalifa. The film presents an inspiring story about Jamil the “mute”’s determination to obtain a position as a happiness specialist in a prestigious company.
* “Hadi Al-Ais” by director Abdullah Saharti is a documentary film that showcases the beauty of the camel in parallel with a narrative that sheds light on the customs and traditions of Saudi culture, links the past to the present, and connects the Saudi people historically, geographically, and emotionally.
On this occasion, the CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, Mohammed Al Turki, said: “The New Saudi Cinema program reflects our permanent commitment to supporting Saudi cinematic talents. It is a program dedicated to dreaming filmmakers who aspire to shape the future of Saudi cinema.”
For his part, the director of the New Saudi Cinema Program, Mohie Qari, said: “At the Red Sea Festival, we seek to represent Saudi cinema and to witness its development and brilliance with each session of the festival. Hence the New Saudi Cinema Program, which aspires to present diverse and inspiring stories characterized by creativity and innovation.” From all over the Kingdom to a variety of new emerging Saudi talent.”