Saudi’s Arabia’s Film Alula Teams With Distributor Front Row on Shorts by Emerging Female Saudi Filmmakers (EXCLUSIVE)

As a movie buff with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the news about the global distribution deal for two Saudi Arabian short films is nothing short of exhilarating! The creativity and talent showcased in these films are a testament to the burgeoning film industry in the region.

The Dubai-based company, Front Row Filmed Entertainment, has obtained worldwide distribution rights for two short films from Saudi Arabia, which will debut at the Red Sea International Film Festival. These films were created as part of Film AlUla’s AlUla Creates initiative.

This modest yet impactful distribution agreement will elevate the short films “Malika” by Maram Taibah and “When The Shelves Hymn” by Hanaa Saleh Alfassi onto the global stage. Notably, “When The Shelves Hymn” is also a production of Front Row, which further emphasizes their dedication to amplifying regional voices in cinema, as stated by Front Row themselves.

Gianluca Chakra, CEO of Front Row Filmed Entertainment, stated that the creativity from Saudi Arabian filmmakers is truly inspiring. By acquiring ‘Malika’ and ‘When The Shelves Hymn’, we are following our mission to boost local voices and share their stories with a worldwide audience,” he explained further.

The Film AlUla shorts germinated from the AlUla Creates program at Film AlUla, the film commission for the swathe of northwest Saudi Arabia roughly the size of Belgium that also comprises a lush oasis and vast sandstone canyons. The program provides funding, mentorship and networking opportunities for Saudi filmmakers and fashion designers.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but share my excitement about ‘Malika,’ a captivating short fantasy film directed by Maram Taibah, debuted at Cannes. This heartfelt tale follows a young girl on a journey to find the crown of her ailing grandmother before it’s too late.

The film titled ‘When the Shelves Hymn,’ directed by Hanaa Saleh Alfassi, follows a mother and her son as they embark on a trip to AlUla, where they aim to sell their ancestral antique shop. This significant decision was prompted by the void left by the family’s deceased head.

Zaid Shaker, acting executive director of Film AlUla, expressed his excitement over the global release of the movies ‘Malika’ and ‘When The Shelves Hymn’, two exceptional productions that emerged from the fervor and imagination of our AlUla Creates program filmmakers.

Short films are experiencing a significant increase in both production and viewing within the Gulf region, as regional film festivals are now more frequently featuring short-form content.

Moving forward, “Malika” and “When The Shelves Hymn” are set to appear in local and global film festivals, as reported by Front Row.

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2024-12-07 15:16