المملكة: The cinematic movement in the Kingdom’s universities…from the academic study of artistic works

The participants stated during the dialogue sessions during their talk to “Al-Youm” that the film industry in the Kingdom is progressing greatly, especially in embracing creators and graduates, and there has become a great movement, and that empowerment and support have gone beyond academic studies in universities to become an incubator for future creators, and qualify students to produce creative works. Professionalism competes at all levels.
This came during the launch of the Student Film Festival at King Abdulaziz University, with the aim of stimulating and developing students’ talents in the field of films, enhancing student interaction and bonding, and building bridges between academic filmmakers and producers. The festival includes 5 awards: Best Short Film – Best Documentary Film – Best Animation – Best Actor – Best Director.

Bigger version, more content

The Head of the Audiovisual Production Department at the College of Communication and Media at King Abdulaziz University, Dr. Fayez Saleh Al-Asmari said that there is an expansion of the current version from last year to become Kingdom-wide, and brings together university students across Saudi Arabia and continues for 3 days. The festival also presents 120 films, including 45 award-nominated films distributed over 3 tracks (documentary films – short dramatic films). – and animation path).
The festival includes 5 dialogue sessions and 16 specialized workshops during which 1,000 male and female students are trained. The festival works to build bridges of communication, bridge the gaps between the labor market and graduates, and introduce students to the labor market.

Al-Asmari stated that students need to expand awareness and knowledge of the market, and the most important steps for interaction, spread, and methods of support. He stated that there are many solutions for innovators and students to overcome the challenges that faced the student or graduate previously, and perhaps one of the most prominent challenges now is how to differentiate themselves. Working under strong competition.
He stressed that the festivals held by the Kingdom are not extravagant, but rather provide outputs that compete with international cinema.

Providing full support to graduates

While filmmaker, writer and producer Ibrahim Abbas explained that he graduated from King Abdulaziz University at a time when the incentives that exist today, great mobility, empowerment, and the provision of equipment, expertise, and workshops were not available.

He stated that the festival goes beyond academic study, which is considered an incubator for future creators, and it has qualified students to produce professional creative works that compete at various levels, which enables a strong Saudi cinema industry capable of global competition, pointing out that converting the novel “Hawjan” into a cinematic film is an experience I hope for. To be inspiring to students.

The role of festivals in enhancing interconnection and spread

One of the students attending the festival, Sulaiman Al-Jadaani, pointed out that these festivals facilitate the student’s ways of communicating, attracting student talents from various universities, and motivating them to create a dynamic, inspiring and competitive educational environment. These festivals also develop talents and create connections between filmmakers and producers, enhance cultural identity and encourage Cultural and academic interaction.