By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
BGTNBGTNBGTN
  • Home
  • TV Channels
    • 1 – Global TV
    • 2 – Mining TV
    • 3 – Sports TV
  • BRICS
    • B – Brasil
    • R – Россия (Rossiya)
    • I – भारत (Bhārat)
    • C – 中国 (Zhōngguó)
    • S – South Africa
    • BRICS Plus
      • A – Argentina
      • E – مصر (Misr)
      • E – ኢትዮጵያ (Ityop’iya)
      • I – ایران (Irān)
      • S – السعودية (Al-Su’udiyya)
      • U – الإمارات العربية المتحدة
    • BRICS Partner States
      • A – الجزائر
      • B – Bolivia
      • B – Беларусь
      • C – Cuba
      • K – Қазақстан
      • I – Indonesia
      • M – Malaysia
      • N – Nigeria
      • T – ประเทศไทย
      • T – Türkiye
      • U – Uganda
      • U – Oʻzbekiston
      • V – Việt Nam
  • International
  • Sports
  • Features
    • Hearts and Plates
    • Saudi Vision 2030
    • Business and Finance
    • Technology and Trends
    • Arts and Culture
    • Health and Lifestyle
    • Food and Agriculture
    • Travel and Exploration
    • BGTN Cares
  • Weather
Reading: Saudi film makes a statement at the Cannes Film Festival
Share
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
BGTNBGTN
  • Brasil
  • Россия (Rossiya)
  • भारत (Bhārat)
  • 中国 (Zhōngguó)
  • South Africa
  • Argentina
  • مصر (Misr)
  • ኢትዮጵያ (Ityop’iya)
  • ایران (Irān)
  • السعودية (Al-Su’udiyya)
  • الإمارات العربية المتحدة
  • الجزائر
  • Bolivia
  • Беларусь
  • Cuba
  • Қазақстан
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Nigeria
  • ประเทศไทย
  • Türkiye
  • Uganda
  • Oʻzbekiston
  • Việt Nam
  • Home
  • TV Channels
    • 1 – Global TV
    • 2 – Mining TV
    • 3 – Sports TV
  • BRICS
    • B – Brasil
    • R – Россия (Rossiya)
    • I – भारत (Bhārat)
    • C – 中国 (Zhōngguó)
    • S – South Africa
    • BRICS Plus
    • BRICS Partner States
  • International
  • Sports
  • Features
    • Hearts and Plates
    • Saudi Vision 2030
    • Business and Finance
    • Technology and Trends
    • Arts and Culture
    • Health and Lifestyle
    • Food and Agriculture
    • Travel and Exploration
    • BGTN Cares
  • Weather
Follow US
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
© 2024 BRICS Global Television Network. Newshound Media. All Rights Reserved.
BGTN > Features > Arts and Culture > Saudi film makes a statement at the Cannes Film Festival
BRICS PlusArts and Cultureالسعودية (Al-Su'udiyya)

Saudi film makes a statement at the Cannes Film Festival

Khaka Ngcofe
Last updated: June 10, 2024 12:45 pm
By Khaka Ngcofe
6 Min Read
Share
Photo: AFP, Saudi director and screenwriter Tawfik Alzaidi, Saudi actress Maria Bahrawi and Saudi actor Yaqoub Alfarhan pose during a photocall for the film "Norah" at the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 24, 2024.
SHARE

A significant milestone has been reached at the Cannes Film Festival by a Saudi film, marking an unprecedented achievement for the nation at this esteemed event. The film, “Norah,” directed by Tawfik AlZaidi, is a poignant drama set in the 1990s, depicting the struggles of artistic repression in Saudi Arabia. This film was selected to compete in the Un Certain Regard category, a segment of the festival known for spotlighting emerging cinematic talents and innovative storytelling.

Though “Norah” did not secure a win, its presence at Cannes was a noteworthy stride towards Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning aspirations to establish itself as a major player in the global film industry. This ambition is part of a broader vision that could significantly impact the entertainment landscape in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Remarkably, this comes only a few years after the country lifted its long-standing ban on cinemas.

The emergence of Saudi-made films like “Norah” signals a potential shift in the Arab world’s cinematic dominance. Historically, Egyptian cinema held sway in the region, while the scenic landscapes of the UAE and Jordan have recently drawn Hollywood productions. Now, Saudi Arabia is eager to claim a portion of this cinematic influence. The current instability and economic challenges faced by many of MENA’s traditional cultural centres present an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to emerge as a new cultural and entertainment hub.

Saudi Arabia, with its rich cultural and historical heritage, has a deep-rooted tradition in the arts, although the modern forms of visual and performing arts have had a relatively short history. Traditionally, the arts in Saudi Arabia were dominated by oral poetry, calligraphy, and the intricate designs of Islamic art. Music and dance also played significant roles in cultural expression, with traditional forms like the “Ardah,” a type of sword dance, being emblematic of Saudi cultural heritage.

While the progress has been significant, challenges remain. The conservative nature of Saudi society means that filmmakers often navigate a complex landscape of cultural and religious sensitivities. However, the government’s support and the enthusiasm of a young, dynamic population are driving a cultural shift. The future of Saudi film and arts looks promising. With ongoing investments and a clear vision, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a cultural hub in the MENA region. The focus on arts and entertainment as part of the Vision 2030 plan signifies a long-term commitment to cultural development, which is expected to yield a vibrant and diverse artistic scene.

Saudi Vision 2030 is an ambitious strategic framework aimed at reducing Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil, diversifying its economy, and developing public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, and tourism. A key component of this vision is the enhancement and promotion of arts and culture. The plan envisions a vibrant society with strong foundations in culture and entertainment, which are seen as critical to improving the quality of life for citizens and attracting international tourists and investors.

By fostering a more open and diverse cultural environment, Vision 2030 aims to create a dynamic arts sector that contributes to economic growth and national identity. Saudi Arabia has recently been investing heavily in cultural infrastructure, including the construction of museums, theatres, and cultural centres. The establishment of initiatives like the Saudi Film Council and the Misk Art Institute highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to nurturing artistic talent and promoting cultural exchange. The lifting of the cinema ban and the organisation of international film festivals are steps towards creating a more inclusive and globally connected arts scene.

These efforts are designed to not only enhance the local cultural landscape but also position Saudi Arabia as a leading cultural hub in the Middle East, reflecting a new era of openness and modernisation. Saudi Arabia’s journey in film and the arts is a testament to its evolving cultural landscape. From a period of restrictions to a burgeoning renaissance, the Kingdom is embracing its creative potential, aiming to become a significant player on the global cultural stage.

The inclusion of “Norah” at the Cannes Film Festival is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the cinematic world. As the nation continues to invest in and promote its film industry, it stands on the cusp of becoming a major cultural force in the MENA region and beyond. This journey, underscored by the Vision 2030 plan, reflects a transformative era for Saudi Arabia, with the potential to redefine its cultural and economic landscape.

ALSO READ: The BRICS Film Festival Opens in Moscow as Part of the Moscow International Film Festival

Saudi Arabia Raises Oil Prices to Asia Amid Middle East Tensions and Market Volatility
MiniGPT-Med: A breakthrough AI model revolutionizing radiology in Saudi Arabia
The Cloud City Forum: Shaping the future of BRICS megacities
Saudi Arabia announces discovery of seven new oil and gas deposits
BRICS Youth Summit 2024: A confluence of young minds in Ulyanovsk
TAGGED:Cannes Film Festivalcinematic dominancecinematic worldNorahSaudi cultural heritageSaudi filmSaudi Vision 2030Tawfik AlZaidithe kingdomUn Certain Regard category
Share This Article
Facebook Flipboard Pinterest Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Tumblr Reddit VKontakte Telegram Threads Email Copy Link Print
What do you think?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Surprise0
Shy0
Joy0
Cry0
Embarrass0
Sleepy0
Angry0
Dead0
Wink0
Khaka Ngcofe
ByKhaka Ngcofe
Khaka is a dedicated professional with a passion for unravelling global complexities. She brings a unique perspective to journalistic endeavours. Her award-winning docie series on Human Trafficking received millions of views on Youtube.
Previous Article India’s Prime Minister takes his oath of office
Next Article China uses AI to stop cheating at university entrance exams
1 Comment
  • Pingback: Parintins Festival: Celebrating Amazonian culture

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
XFollow
PinterestPin
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe
TiktokFollow
LinkedInFollow
TumblrFollow
ThreadsFollow
BlueskyFollow
RSS FeedFollow
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Latest News

Brazil–Japan Strengthen Dialogue Towards Economic and Trade Partnership
Brasil BRICS
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira Participates in G4 Foreign Ministers Meeting in New York
Brasil BRICS भारत (Bhārat)
Jessica Alupo Met with Valentina Matvienko
BRICS Россия (Rossiya)
Russia-Uganda Military-Technical Cooperation Strengthened at 3rd Commission Meeting
BRICS Россия (Rossiya)

You Might Also Like

SportsBRICS Plusالسعودية (Al-Su'udiyya)

India achieves best-ever medal haul at Paralympics

July 12, 2025
ایران (Irān)International

Iranian Muslims head to Saudi Arabia for umrah – for the first time in almost a decade

April 23, 2024
ایران (Irān)International

”No sign of life”: search and rescue teams locate the crash site of Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter

May 20, 2024
BRICSBRICS Plusኢትዮጵያ (Ityop'iya)

In Case You Missed It: The 2025 G20 Interfaith Forum in Addis Ababa

September 16, 2025

Our Partners

Ad imageAd image

Learn About BRICS

  • B – Brasil
  • R – Россия (Rossiya)
  • I – भारत (Bhārat)
  • C – 中国 (Zhōngguó)
  • S – South Africa
  • Saudi Vision 2030

Our World

  • A message from the Founder & CEO
  • Support Centre
  • Careers

Google Translate

BGTNBGTN
Follow US
© 2025 BRICS Global Television Network (Pty) Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Independent Media Platform. Unauthorized ownership claims or affiliations are unlawful.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?