Gulf | Saudi Arabia
First Saudi film festival proves 'shot in arm' for young directors
Kilo 500 won the Golden Palm award for the best short film in the first annual Saudi film competition, which concluded in Dammam on Saturday evening.
- By Mariam Al Hakeem, Correspondent
- Published: 00:02 May 26, 2008
- Fifty-four movies were screened, of which 34 competed for the 10,000 Saudi riyal Golden Palm award at the festival.
- Thirteen movie scripts also competed in the best screenplay category.
- The event was organised by the Dammam Literary Club in cooperation with the Saudi Society of Arts and Culture.
Riyadh: Kilo 500 won the Golden Palm award for the best short film in the first annual Saudi film competition, which concluded in Dammam on Saturday evening.
The nascent film industry in the kingdom received a shot in the arm with the film festival.
The five-day event, which enjoyed both official blessings and funding, drew a huge crowd of viewers, including a considerable number of women.
Dr Yousuf Al Othaimeen, chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Arts and Cultural Society, was the chief guest at the concluding ceremony held at the auditorium of the Saudi Society of Arts and Culture.
Speaking on behalf of young Saudi film directors, Faisal Al Harbi told the gathering the film festival was the best illustration of Saudi youths' capabilities and talents in producing original films within the perimeters of the conservative Saudi society by making use of its cultural heritage.
"Today, our dream has become a reality. It is a great moment for all of us."
Speaking on the occasion, festival manager and poet Ahmad Al Mulla thanked all those concerned for making the event a resounding success.
"This is a great event concerning the Saudi national film industry which is in its infancy," he said.
Pioneer Saudi filmmaker Abdullah Al Mohaisen, who has been making movies since the 1970s, was honoured at the concluding ceremony.
In the short film category, the film Kilo 500, directed by renowned Saudi director Abdullah Al Eyaf, bagged the Golden Palm with prize money of 10,000 Saudi riyals (Dh10,000), the Silver Palm (5,000 riyals) went to Osama Al Kheraiji's Al Haqeeqa (Reality) while the Bronze Palm was bagged by Khatar Al Ibil (Danger of Camel) by Faleh Al Dosary.
In the screenplay category, the first two winners were Abbas Al Hayek (Al Sadeeqan), and Hana Abdullah (Hadaf). Baqaya Taam (Remnants of Food), directed by Mousa Al Thunayyan, was chosen as the best documentary film. Abdullah Al Eyaf's film Mattar (Rain) won the second place in this category while third prize went to Bila Gamad (Unsheathed), directed by Badar Al Hamoud.
Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Iyad Madani inaugurated the festival last Tuesday. Hulmun Baree (Innocent Dream) was the opening film.
54 movies: Wide range
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