British Council turns lens on young Saudi filmmakers

Modhi Alzamil, a director.
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Updated 25 November 2020
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British Council turns lens on young Saudi filmmakers

  • The research is part of a long-term plan by the British Council to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

RIYADH: The British Council will host an online event on Nov. 25 for young aspiring filmmakers in Saudi Arabia.

The event, “Through the Eyes of Filmmakers,” will be led by Paul Pauwels, former director of the European Documentary Network.

Pauwels will be joined by a panel of local filmmakers, including Moayad Abualkhair, a documentary producer working on his first feature film; Abdulrahman Khawj , a screenwriter, director and producer who runs the production company Cinepoetics Pictures; Mansour Albadran, a director and producer working in corporate film; and Modhi Alzamil, a director whose first short film, “Dissonance,” explores cognitive dissonance through interviews with people of different ages and backgrounds. 




Mansour Albadran, a director and producer.

The panel, who all attended the renowned Sheffield International Documentary Festival in the UK through the British Council in 2019, will discuss how these types of international opportunities have helped develop their work, their experience as young filmmakers in the Kingdom and ways to pitch a new project.

They will also chat about local and international opportunities, and take part in a Q&A session. 




Abdulrahman Khawj, a screenwriter, director and producer.

This event comes on the back of British Council’s recent Saudi Film Skills research, which outlined the skills and capabilities needed to strengthen and expand the film sector.

The report found that Saudi Arabia has the potential to have more films made by Saudis in the Kingdom, but highlighted skill shortages as a major issue and called for more local training opportunities. 




Moayad Abualkhair, a documentary producer.

The research is part of a long-term plan by the British Council to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and bring UK expertise in the creative industries to young people through capacity-building programs.

“We are delighted to deliver this webinar for aspiring Saudi filmmakers,” said Eilidh Kennedy McLean, director of the British Council in Saudi Arabia. 




Paul Pauwels, former director of the European Documentary Network.

“It follows the launch of our Films Skills Research last month, which highlighted the need for further training and networking opportunities for young people in the sector. We hope through events like this we will inspire the next generation of young Saudi filmmakers, and develop an exciting, vibrant and commercially successful film sector.”

“Through the Eyes of Filmmakers“ is a free event, open to anyone interested in film skills in Saudi Arabia, and will be held from 1-2 p.m.


Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli airstrike near Syria’s Presidential Palace

Updated 02 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli airstrike near Syria’s Presidential Palace

  • Airstrike, which occurred early Friday, came after Israeli authorities reportedly warned the Syrian government against attacks on Druze

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Friday strongly condemned an Israeli airstrike that targeted the vicinity of the Presidential Palace in Damascus, calling it a blatant violation of the Syrian Arab Republic’s sovereignty and a serious threat to regional stability, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s condemnation “in the strongest terms” of the attack, and reiterated its categorical rejection of Israeli actions that undermine the sovereignty, security, and stability of Syria.

The airstrike, which occurred early Friday, came after Israeli authorities reportedly warned the Syrian government against advancing toward villages inhabited by members of the Druze minority in southern Syria.

The warning followed days of violent clashes between pro-government forces and Druze fighters near the capital, which left dozens of people dead or injured.

Syria’s presidency described the Israeli attack as a “dangerous escalation against state institutions and the sovereignty of the state,” and urged the international community to take a stand against such violations. It warned that the strike not only threatens Syria’s national security but also the unity of its people.

The Saudi foreign ministry echoed these concerns, calling on the international community to intervene and halt Israel’s “blatant violations of international law in Syria and the region.”

The Kingdom further warned that the continuation of such policies and what it described as “extremist Israeli practices” could exacerbate violence, extremism, and instability across the region.


Saudi Ministry of Interior warns of strict penalties for Hajj permit violations

Updated 02 May 2025
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Saudi Ministry of Interior warns of strict penalties for Hajj permit violations

  • Authorities instructed to arrest violators, take legal action against them

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced on Friday it had launched a campaign to prevent violations of Hajj regulations, warning of strict penalties for individuals attempting to perform the pilgrimage without the required permits.

As part of its efforts, the ministry has begun enforcing measures aimed at stopping violators from entering or remaining in Makkah and surrounding sacred sites.

Authorities have been instructed to arrest violators and take legal action against them, and anyone who assists in the breach of Hajj rules.

The ministry announced that individuals caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, including those holding any type of visit visa, face fines of up to SR20,000 ($5,333).

The crackdown also targets those facilitating unauthorized access to Makkah and the holy sites.

Those found guilty of aiding violators, whether by applying for visit visas on their behalf, transporting them, housing them in hotels, apartments or pilgrim accommodations, or otherwise helping them remain in restricted areas, may be fined up to SR100,000.

The ministry clarified that penalties will be determined based on the number of violators involved.

Offenders, including residents and individuals who overstay or breach Hajj protocols, will face deportation and a ban from re-entering the Kingdom for 10 years.

In addition, Saudi courts will be asked to confiscate vehicles used in transporting violators if owned by the carrier or any accomplice.

Officials have urged the public to strictly follow all Hajj-related regulations, stressing that the measures are in place to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of pilgrims.

The ministry has also called on the public to report any violations. Residents in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province can contact authorities via 911, while those in other regions are advised to call 999.


‘Pinocchio’ springs to life on Ithra stage in Dhahran

Photos by Ithra/Yasir Alqunais
Updated 02 May 2025
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‘Pinocchio’ springs to life on Ithra stage in Dhahran

  • Touch of Arabia applied in reimagining by La Baldufa theater
  • 3 creators, actors create works focusing on social awareness

The most famous little wooden boy in the world sprang to life at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, on Thursday night.

The story of Pinocchio, reimagined by the acclaimed La Baldufa theater company from Spain, breathed fresh energy from Saudi Arabia into the tale of the adventurous wooden toy who dreams of becoming a real boy.

While the tale is widely known thanks to the Oscar-winning 1940 Disney film, “Pinocchio” was originally a book by Italian author Carlo Collodi, first published in 1883.

The story explores themes of poverty, education, fatherhood, and the search for truth.

A day before the premiere at Ithra, the three creators and performers behind La Baldufa — Enric Blasi, Carlos Pijuan and Emiliano Pardo —hosted a masterclass on the stage, offering attendees a look into their creative process.

The cast discussed their use of what they described as clowning and gestural theater to create works built around social awareness.

Founded in Lleida, Spain, in 1996, La Baldufa has spent nearly three decades creating and crafting innovative performing arts productions for live audiences.

Materials used on stage are intentionally simple: wood, paper and humans — aligning with their artistic vision.

They said they customize each performance. In China, they would have text read aloud by a Chinese audience member on stage and use some of that language.

And, as promised, they used Arabic in their Ithra production the following day.

Audience participation plays a central role as a random member of the public is invited to read a passage on stage, adding to the sense of spontaneity and inclusivity.

Part of the stage was constructed on-site. It is designed for easy transport assembly, using shadow spotlights, paper elements, and audio from the country where they perform, to ensure the production resonates with local audiences.

The company has toured more than 40 countries, captivating children of all ages.

Each performance is tied to its location. The show incorporates live voices from the audience. Dimmed lights, shifting silhouettes, and dynamic staging help shape the mood.

Though music is typically performed live and acoustically, travel constraints required the use of pre-recorded audio featuring both upbeat and slower tempos.

Sprinklings of Arabic delighted the crowd, especially when audience members were invited to participate.

Two shy girls, initially hesitant, eventually found their voices once on stage — an emotional moment for those watching.

Your experience may vary, but the message is clear: this is a show you could try to replicate at home — simple, but not simplistic.

Eight-year-old Anwyn Frith told Arab News: “I was excited about watching ‘Pinocchio’ tonight; my favorite part was when the man was building Pinocchio,” she said.

But she offered a few suggestions: “They were speaking everything in Arabic and I couldn’t understand it.

“Maybe next time they can speak English a little bit more. And maybe add more of the ‘Pinocchio’ movie into it, like when he keeps lying and his nose grows and goes out.”

La Baldufa’s interpretation honors the spirit of Collodi’s original while inviting contemporary audiences, especially younger ones, into a world of wonder and imagination.

After the show, the trio was happy to meet and greet an audience equally eager to connect.

Running nightly until May 4, tickets start at SR40 ($10) and are available on the Ithra website.


KSrelief signs initiative to support orphans in Mali

Updated 02 May 2025
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KSrelief signs initiative to support orphans in Mali

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has signed an agreement with an organization that supports orphans in Mali, the Saudi Press Agency reported late on Thursday.

Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz, assistant supervisor general for operations and programs, inked the pact to sponsor 1,350 orphans, including covering their tuition fees.

In addition, the sponsorship would assist 430 orphans who are breadwinners for their families, the SPA reported.


Warning of heavy rain, flooding across Saudi Arabia

Updated 02 May 2025
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Warning of heavy rain, flooding across Saudi Arabia

  • Makkah and Riyadh to have moderate to heavy rain, Civil Defense forecasts

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense has warned of possible heavy rainfall and flooding in several regions of the country until Tuesday.

In an advisory carried by the Saudi Press Agency late Thursday, the directorate said Makkah is likely to have moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by hail and strong wind.

Moderate to heavy rain is also expected in Riyadh, while Najran in the southwest may experience lighter rainfall.

Rainfall is also likely in the western regions of Madinah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, central Qassim, Hail and Northern Borders, and the Eastern Province.

“Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, avoid flood-prone areas, and adhere to safety guidelines shared via various media channels,” the Civil Defense advisory stated.