Jeddah: The third Film Criticism Forum is set to begin in the Asir region on Wednesday. Organized by the Saudi Film Commission and the Asir Development Authority, this two-day forum will take place at the Bin Adwan Heritage Village. The theme of the event is “Scenery and Natural Landscape in Films.”
Abdullah Al-Eyaf, CEO of the Saudi Film Commission, said that the purpose of this forum is to explore how natural landscapes influence cinematic storytelling and draw audiences, building on the success of previous rounds held in Jeddah and Dhahran.
He added: “During our presence in such a beautiful area with its picturesque nature and charming scenery, we are happy to meet the local film community, which constitutes an opportunity to discuss the theme with film critics, experts, and the audience.”
Abha was chosen as the destination for the third Film Criticism Forum due to its stunning scenery and natural landscapes, providing an ideal setting for exploring the world of cinema.
The forum provides participants with an additional tour of Asir, featuring a diverse schedule of events aimed at enhancing their skills in film analysis and interpretation.
This tour will feature an audio workshop with Emile Awwad, a sound designer and soundtrack composer. The workshop aims to emphasize the significance of sound in cinema and its profound impact on the overall cinematic experience.
Alongside this, the event will include presentations and dialogue sessions led by esteemed academics and professionals in the critical cinema field. These sessions will serve as valuable opportunities for communication, collaboration, and relationship-building among film critics.
The Film Criticism Forum is touring Saudi Arabia and started with Jeddah in March, followed by stops in Dhahran and now in Asir. The tour will proceed to Tabuk and conclude with its last round in Buraidah.
The grand finale of the tour will be held in Riyadh from Nov. 10 to 12, with a focus on the theme “Film and Art in a Changing World.”
The Film Criticism Forum plays a crucial role in the Film Commission’s efforts to develop the film sector in the Kingdom. With the aim of making Saudi Arabia a prominent hub for the cinematic industry, the forum focuses on cultivating a vibrant filmmaking ecosystem, empowering local talents, and fostering international collaborations.
