As a lifelong movie enthusiast who has seen countless films from different cultures and eras, I can attest to the transformative power of cinema in bridging gaps between nations and fostering understanding among diverse communities. The Saudi Film Confex, with Will Smith as its guest of honor, is an inspiring testament to this potential.
As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’ve found myself pondering over Will Smith’s three-decade reign at the global box office. What struck me was his secret recipe for success when aiming to captivate international audiences: Sometimes, less talk can indeed mean more impact.
Smith notes that when people need to read subtitles or translate dialogue, there’s a slight disconnection. Generally, he prefers to use non-verbal methods to convey emotional cues as they tend to resonate more universally, whether it’s for action, comedy, or expressing emotions. In essence, he’s constantly seeking creative ways to express the most crucial parts without relying on dialogue.
At this year’s Saudi Film Conference in Riyadh, Smith revealed his thoughts. This event, a significant gathering for trade in the region, had Will Smith as its distinguished guest of honor. Notably, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” featuring Smith, has now set a new record as Saudi Arabia’s highest-grossing film ever. Moreover, Smith’s visit to Riyadh carried a broader significance.
Over two decades in obscurity, the Saudi film industry is now swiftly catching up, as local production, distribution, and exhibition are all experiencing fast expansion. This growth, accompanied by the common understanding that greater opportunity brings increased accountability, was a recurring theme throughout the discussions at Confex, held from October 9th to 12th.
The second installment of Confex showcased over 30 debates, 15 seminars, and an extensive exhibition covering more than 16 sectors within the film industry’s supply chain. This collection provided a glimpse into a developing sector shaping its character and aspirations in the present moment. Numerous speakers highlighted prospects centered around AI-based processes and well-liked animation, with several successful manga adaptations suggesting the Saudi-Japanese collaboration as a potentially fruitful pathway.
And nearly all focused on mass-appeal.
Over the past few months, it’s been truly exciting to witness homegrown cinematic gems such as “Mandoob” gain traction both locally and internationally, making their debuts in film hotspots like France and the U.K. It’s also heartening to see masterpieces like “Hajjan,” from the critically-acclaimed director Abu Bakr Shawky (“Yomeddine”), finally grace our screens after their world premiere at Toronto. To add to this cinematic journey, the action satire “Shabab Albomb,” an adaptation of the iconic TV series “Firecrackers Youth” from a decade ago, has also been a recent success story.
The outstanding achievement of this record has significantly boosted our national industry, resulting in an unprecedented number of attendees at the 2023 Saudi Film Confex. Originally projected to host 65,000 participants, the event attracted a remarkable additional 5,000 visitors. As a result, no less than 25 agreements were sealed, amounting to an impressive $60 million. This surge in local growth has further fueled interest in international expansion, leading us back to our esteemed guest with keen insights into this area.
As a film critic, I must admit that director Smith stands out among his contemporaries by being exceptionally candid about the intricacies and workings of international filmmaking. He frequently compares his role to that of a diplomat or envoy, underscoring the global nature of his craft.
In his explanation, he says that as a movie star, you’re developing a particular international connection. This means considering the audience and fulfilling your commitment to them in a broader sense, encompassing the entire business aspect.
According to Smith, there exist both regional and worldwide aesthetics. He illustrates this concept by citing the growing popularity of Korean films as a modern representation of global aesthetics, while also recalling his youthful infatuation with Bruce Lee as an earlier manifestation of it.
When I was 10 years old, Bruce Lee was the only face of China I knew. He exposed me to Chinese culture, and he inspired me greatly. So, who among us is ready to do the same? Who will take it upon themselves to represent their culture proudly on a global scale?
As a movie critic, I’d rephrase that statement as follows: To carve an international niche, it’s not just about having captivating stars; the actor underscored this point. Instead, local filmmakers must emphasize themes and styles that resonate globally, striking a delicate balance between maintaining authenticity and making their work accessible to diverse audiences, all while navigating the complexities of language.
That particular line echoed across so many of the Confex panels, especially those that emphasized cinema’s power for soft diplomacy. Rather than competing against Hollywood, so many Saudi filmmakers instead want to offer a corrective – most notably to the overwhelmingly negative light too often shone on the Arab world.
Previously serving as the head of Saudi Intelligence and ambassador to both the United Kingdom and the United States, Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud commended cinema’s ability for fostering such positive cultural exchange during a discussion at Confex, which was also attended by the current minister of culture in Saudi Arabia, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud.
The crown prince remarked that “an image can convey a thousand stories,” a sentiment shared earlier by the former Fresh Prince. He then referred to Director Agusti Villaronga’s film, “Born a King,” which portrays the young life of King Faisal.
In 2019, the Spanish-U.K. co-production achieved regional box office success, marking it as the first large-scale international feature filmed in the Kingdom. It was supported by a local cast and crew since 2017. Now, less than a decade later, the domestic industry boasts the resources to develop, finance, produce, and distribute similar films internally. This has sparked a growing desire to make these commercial productions available worldwide.
Smith emphasized that you’re at a truly exceptional juncture,” he expressed with enthusiasm. “This is a special and scarcely repeated moment where the world hangs on your actions and words. I strongly advise you not to underestimate it. You possess the means, you have backing, you carry history – now is the hour for making an impact.
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2024-10-19 20:47