Saudi Gazette report

DAMMAM — The organizing committee of the Saudi Film Festival has announced members of the jury for competitions in the six-day festival beginning Sept. 1.

The festival, organized by Ithra in collaboration with the Film Authority of the Saudi Culture Ministry, will be held virtually and broadcast online, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said early Wednesday.

Interviews with filmmakers as well as workshops will be among highlights of the festival’s sixth edition.

Audiences will watch the festival live and vote for their favorite films. The decision to livestream the festival was taken in light of the coronavirus pandemic, which would deter many from attending.

The festival aims at guaranteeing realizing its main objectives such as supporting nationally specialized talents, encourage Saudi film-making industry and to consolidate cinema-oriented culture in the Kingdom.

Since its first edition in 2008, the festival has celebrated and screened Saudi films, giving local productions access to a wider audience.

Two training workshops have also been announced: The shift from a notion to a story and the film sound music.

Those Interested can visit the festival’s online portal https://www.saudifilmfestival.org/ for registration.

Films and scripts selected for the festival will be announced shortly along with details of competitions and workshops.