‘Saudi Arabia will be a major player in the future of film,’ Mohammed Al-Turki says as Cannes kicks off

Mohammed Al-Turki is the CEO of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Film Foundation. (Getty Images)
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Updated 18 May 2023
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‘Saudi Arabia will be a major player in the future of film,’ Mohammed Al-Turki says as Cannes kicks off

  • With the Cannes Film Festival set to begin on Tuesday night, the Red Sea Film Foundation CEO discusses the Kingdom’s involvement in cinema’s biggest event and the progress made by the Saudi film industry

DUBAI: In the world of cinema, there is no event that comes close to eclipsing the Cannes Film Festival. Each May, luminaries from every corner of the globe unite in the South of France to both celebrate industry titans at the peak of their powers, and, more importantly, select from the fray the key voices that will shape the future of the artform. Now, with the help of Mohammed Al-Turki, film producer and CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, Saudi Arabia will play a key role in that future.  

Since taking over the role just over a year ago, Al-Turki has become a global ambassador for Saudi and Arab film alike, working to not only elevate the stature of the country’s own premiere festival held in Jeddah each year, but also to help lift rising regional talent to new heights. At Cannes this year, the Red Sea Fund, part of the Red Sea Film Foundation, has supported five films in competition, as well as the festival’s opener, “Jeanne Du Barry,” starring Johnny Depp. 

“Cannes Film Festival is the definitive stage for global film, the jewel in the crown of the festival calendar, and through our partnership we are able to elevate the talent and films that we support on an unparalleled level,” Al-Turki tells Arab News. 

“It’s a meeting point for cinema internationally, so we can build connections across the globe. Cinema is also a major export, and for that you need an international market — through which we have been championing Arab, African and Indian voices.” 

Much has changed for Al-Turki since the last time we spoke in 2021. Back then, he was turning his attention to production in Saudi Arabia after a decade of producing Hollywood films starring top names such as Richard Gere, Gary Oldman and Andrew Garfield. He hoped, project by project, that he could shine a spotlight on some of those in the Kingdom who had long been ignored. Now, with the might of the foundation behind him, he has the power to do so much more, which has left him keenly aware of just how much there is still to do.    

“This position has made me realize more fully the challenges that exist and the barriers there still are for people outside the Hollywood system,” says Al-Turki. “But, thankfully, there is talent and tenacity enough for these creatives to thrive.” 

Part of overcoming those barriers, of course, is not just funding projects from experienced talent — it’s identifying and developing talent at the nascent stage their careers in all aspects of filmmaking. This year, Red Sea Labs and the Red Sea Film Foundation are partnering with the Cannes Marché du Film to establish the inaugural Cannes Makers program, a talent-development program. Three young professionals from Saudi Arabia will be taking part: Shahad Abonomai, Raghad Bajbaa, and Marwan Elshafie. 

“We want to support people who have drive and vision and just need to be given the opportunity to get more of a foothold in the industry, and we saw so much potential in these three,” says Al-Turki proudly.  

Al-Turki has also found himself much more collaborative than before, discovering that a leader is only as good as those he surrounds himself with.  

“I recognize that it’s a very collective effort, first and foremost. I am so grateful to be able to be the public face of this movement to enrich the ecosystem of Saudi filmmaking, and give Arab cinema a space on the global stage, but it is something which really takes a village and we have an incredible team, network of partners, and most importantly a burgeoning cohort of creative talent to uplift and support,” says Al-Turki.  

The progress that his team — and Saudi Arabia’s film industry as a whole — have made is nothing short of astounding so far. “We have so much to offer and have achieved so much for such a young industry,” he says. “It’s incredible to look back at the progress: Red Sea International Film Festival is heading towards our third edition and already we are a real player in the global industry calendar.”  

A festival, one might say, is only as good as the films it champions. To have its fund support two films — Kaouther Ben Hania’s “Four Daughters” and Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s “Banel & Adama” — in competition for the Palme d’Or, the festival’s top prize, as well as another which marks an historic debut for Sudanese cinema at the festival, is a badge of honor for both the foundation and Al-Turki himself.  

“Being a part of these watershed moments is very humbling and gives me great hope for the future of cinema from our region,” says Al-Turki.  

But this is only the beginning. Both the foundation and the Saudi film industry as a whole are only a few years old, but the Kingdom is well on the way to becoming the main center for Arab and regional film.  

“I see Saudi Arabia as a major player in the future of film in the region, definitely — not least because of the work we are doing with the Red Sea Film Foundation. It’s also an incredible filming destination, and home to so much burgeoning talent,” says Al-Turki.  

Al-Turki himself is continuing to produce films — he’s executive producer of the upcoming Michael Mann film “Ferrari,” starring Adam Driver — but when he thinks of his own legacy, it’s Saudi Arabia that he’s most focused on. It’s his home, the place where he once fell in love with film, just a boy from AlKhobar in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province. 

Al-Turki recalls that he once amassed such a large collection of movies that he would rent out his VHS and LaserDisc collection to other students from the parking lot in AlKhobar. Why? Because he wanted to share his greatest passion; to pass on the same joy he’d found in each worn copy. It’s that same impulse that’s guiding him today, only he’s not just sharing the magic of movies, he’s helping create it on a mass scale.  

“I want to have made a tangible impact in placing Saudi Arabia on the map in the cinema ecosystem,” he says. “From a country without movie theaters five years ago, we have had such a flourishing of the industry, both creatively and commercially, and it’s hugely rewarding to be a part of that. I hope that the Red Sea International Film Festival continues to thrive for years to come, and continues to be a place where filmmakers can discover and secure their futures — for it to long outlive all of us.” 


Madinah exhibition showcases local heritage, crafts 

Updated 15 July 2025
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Madinah exhibition showcases local heritage, crafts 

  • Three-day event, which ended on Tuesday, is among several Year of Handicrafts initiatives launched by the Ministry of Culture
  • Elements of heritage were embodied in palm-based crafts including baskets, incense burners, and decorative pieces

RIYADH: The “Arts Telling Stories” exhibition in Madinah showcased the nation’s culture and history through authentic handicrafts.

The three-day event, which ended on Tuesday, is among several “Year of Handicrafts” initiatives launched by the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The exhibition featured a diverse collection of handcrafted creations reflecting the identity of the local community. 

Elements of heritage were embodied in palm-based crafts including baskets, incense burners, and decorative pieces, illustrating the historical bond between people and the environment.

The event also showcased wooden artworks, including decorated boxes, vases, and household items crafted with techniques blending traditional sensibility and modern innovation.

It featured pottery pieces inspired by folk art, drawing from the colors and landscapes of the region’s geography, the SPA reported.

The exhibition reflects the ministry’s efforts to promote traditional arts, foster community awareness, and encourage young people to connect with their cultural roots.


Jessica Kahawaty’s cookbook receives celebrity nod of approval

Updated 15 July 2025
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Jessica Kahawaty’s cookbook receives celebrity nod of approval

DUBAI: Lebanese Australian duo, model Jessica Kahawaty and mother Rita, have launched their own cookbook — with no less a person than Hollywood actress and producer Courteney Cox providing a cover quote.

Kahawaty and her mother are the minds behind UAE-based food delivery business Mama Rita and the book, “Mama Rita: Family recipes from the Mediterranean,” is now available for pre-order ahead of its release in September.

It is endorsed by Cox, who says it is “a must-have for anyone who is passionate about cooking and loves food as much as I do.”

Writing on Instagram on Monday, Kahawaty said: “The moment we held the Mama Rita cookbook in our hands for the very first time … after two years of pouring our hearts into it. And we’re beyond thrilled to share a special surprise on the cover — a quote from the one and only (Courteney Cox). Her iconic role as Monica in ‘Friends’ — the talented chef, perfectionist, and loving control freak — mirrors so much of the dynamic between mum and me. And her true persona is even more beautiful, warm, and generous.

“Years of love, passion, late nights and so many memories. It’s all finally coming to life just as Mama Rita turns five this September,” she added.

Kahawaty is on an entrepreneurial roll, having launched jewelry brand Kahawaty Jewels alongside her father, master jeweler Ghassan Kahawaty, in May. Based in Dubai, it continues the family’s long-standing tradition of jewelry craftsmanship.

“I grew up watching my father in his jewelry trade. I saw how happy he made people when he created these beautiful pieces,” Kahawaty told Arab News. “I’ve always wanted to continue my father’s legacy and my grandfather’s trade. I felt like this is the perfect time to launch Kahawaty Jewels in Dubai, which is a city I’ve been in for over 13 years.”

For Jessica, building the brand with her father has been a meaningful journey.

“He’s the only man I trust when it comes to diamonds and jewelry. He has an impeccable eye for detail and quality. He has the most incredible craftsmanship. I learned so much from him and launching this with my father feels like a true partnership,” she said.


Haql Summer Festival boosts tourism, economy

Updated 14 July 2025
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Haql Summer Festival boosts tourism, economy

  • Festival offers a wide range of attractions, including an amusement park with electric and inflatable rides
  • Visitors can also enjoy restaurants, shopping, and essential services, ensuring a well-rounded experience

JEDDAH: With schools on summer holiday, children and parents are embracing a season of relaxation, exploration, and entertainment.

From coastal getaways to mountain retreats, families across Saudi Arabia are making the most of summer with fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories.

The Haql Summer Festival, being held at Prince Fahd bin Sultan Park, runs until mid-September. It offers a wide range of attractions, including an amusement park with electric and inflatable rides, a family seating area, and an open-air theater featuring traditional performances, competitions, and daily prizes.

Visitors can also enjoy restaurants, shopping, and essential services, ensuring a well-rounded experience, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The festival aims to boost tourism in Haql, stimulate the local economy, increase commercial activity, and create job opportunities, positioning the region as a unique and attractive destination.

Haql, located in northwest Saudi Arabia in the Tabuk region and overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba, boasts clear views of several neighboring countries’ coastlines.

The festival is part of the Saudi Summer program, which runs until September and showcases the Kingdom’s diverse tourism offerings — from mountains and beaches to international events and exclusive deals, catering to all travelers.


Miniature model helps bring Saudi history to life

Updated 14 July 2025
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Miniature model helps bring Saudi history to life

  • Featuring miniature representations of Saudi cities from the past, these creations transport visitors through time
  • Artist and craft trainer Abdullah Al-Khazam, a native of Hail, presented a clay model of the ancient commercial area of Hail city at the event

RIYADH: The Beit Hail Festival, which runs until July 29, is showcasing unique works which reflect the region’s rich historic archaeological legacy, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.

Featuring miniature representations of Saudi cities from the past, these creations transport visitors through time, highlighting the details of daily life and the beauty of historic architecture.

Artist and craft trainer Abdullah Al-Khazam, a native of Hail, has presented a clay model of the ancient commercial area of Hail city at the event.

The model has attracted the attention of thousands of visitors and illustrates the techniques used to craft such works, enriching the festival’s depiction of the Kingdom’s heritage.

Al-Khazam based the model on historic sources, using precise measurements and conducting field visits. He also consulted historians, researchers, and elderly residents for accuracy.

The model features key landmarks, including Barzan Palace, a mosque, the commercial square, and various government offices, the SPA added.

Built with traditional materials such as clay and palm trunks, the model uses classic construction techniques and incorporates period ornaments and engravings, effectively recreating the city center of the past.


The UK’s longest-running Arab arts festival returns 

Updated 14 July 2025
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The UK’s longest-running Arab arts festival returns 

DHAHRAN: The Liverpool Arab Arts Festival, or LAAF, the UK’s longest-running annual celebration of Arab arts and culture, returns this month with a theme that feels both timely and timeless: “Nostalgia.”

Now two decades in, the festival has grown from grassroots beginnings into an internationally recognized celebration.

Running through to July 20, this year’s program explores how memory, heritage and longing shape artistic expression across the Arab world and its diasporas. 

The dynamic, bilingual line-up spans film, music, literature, performance, food and family activities — all underscored by deeper reflections on identity, loss and cultural continuity.

Arab News spoke with Taher Qassim, originally from Yemen, who founded LAAF in 1998 as a community-led effort to foster cultural pride and preserve Arab identity in Liverpool.

“The theme of ‘nostalgia’ is a reflection of both how far we’ve come and where we began,” Qassim said. “Twenty-three years ago, we set out on a path that was uncertain but filled with excitement and purpose. We knew we wanted to create something that represented the Yemeni and Arab presence in Liverpool, but we didn’t yet know how to express it.”

What began as a handful of cultural activations has since evolved into a platform for Arab artists. “From those humble beginnings … the festival began to blossom,” he said. “Today, we proudly offer a platform to artists from across the Arab world, Europe, the US, and beyond — something we could only have dreamed of.”

Two events stand out for him: ‘Arabs Are Not Funny’ and ‘The Book of Sanaa.’ The former, he says, “directly challenges the long-held stereotype that Arabs lack a sense of humor. It’s refreshing, bold and liberating — exactly what the festival stands for.”

The latter brings together literature, poetry, food, and a model of Yemen’s historic capital.

“The richness of this event would’ve felt like a fantasy to us two decades ago. Now, it’s a reality — something we’ve made possible through years of dedication and community.”

Qassim, who was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2008 for services to community cohesion, handed over the festival’s leadership to his daughter, Afrah, who now steers LAAF with the same vision and care.

Today, LAAF is no longer seen solely as a festival for the Arab community. “That perception has shifted dramatically,” Qassim said. “People from all backgrounds and ages attend and engage. The festival has become a space for dialogue, curiosity and connection.” As he put it, “Conversations happen naturally — before, during and after events.”

One event he hopes visitors will not miss is the now-iconic “Family Day” at the Palm House in Sefton Park. “It’s become the signature event of the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival — our legacy day,” he said. “Families travel from across the UK, Europe, and even further afield to be part of it. The atmosphere is joyful, welcoming, and truly inclusive … a vibrant, heartwarming celebration of Arab culture at its best.”

Some events require tickets, but “Family Day” — an afternoon of music, crafts, performances and community — is the grand finale and free to all.