Riyadh, April 15, 2024, Under the auspices of Saudi Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Film Commission, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the commission is hosting the fourth edition of the Gulf Cinema Festival for the first time from April 14 to 18 in Riyadh.
The festival is graced by dignitaries, cultural luminaries, media figures, prominent activists, and influencers from the film industry. At the inauguration, Film Commission CEO Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Qahtani delivered the minister’s address, highlighting the festival's significance as a pivotal milestone in cultural collaboration among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The minister emphasized the festival's role in fostering cultural exchange, infrastructure expansion, drawing inspiration from successful experiences, and nurturing Gulf talents.
The opening ceremony included the screening of a film spotlighting the depth of Gulf cinema and the festival's role in enhancing its growth trajectory. The Film Commission's primary aim in hosting the festival is to enrich the national cinematic landscape and provide creative platforms empowering talented individuals to showcase innovative works and share experiences with industry peers.
The festival's diverse program over five days includes 29 film screenings, three training workshops, and six cultural seminars exploring various facets of the cinema industry. Discussions will span topics from the future of cinema to the challenges confronting Gulf filmmakers.
The festival culminates in recognizing outstanding contributions to Gulf cinema with awards presented across nine categories, highlighting excellence and innovation in the regional film landscape.
