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Saudi Arabia Banned Film for 35 Years. the Red Sea Festival Is Just One Sign of the Industry's Rise

The article discusses the transformation of Saudi Arabia's film industry, highlighted by the Red Sea International Film Festival. For 35 years, cinema was banned in Saudi Arabia due to conservative religious influences, but recent reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have led to the lifting of this ban in 2018. The Red Sea Film Festival, now in its third year, showcases this shift, aiming to establish Saudi Arabia as a hub for film in the Middle East. The festival not only screens films but also supports local filmmakers through workshops, grants, and a fund for Arab and African cinema. This initiative is part of a broader Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy, promote cultural openness, and attract international attention to Saudi Arabia's evolving cultural landscape. The festival has become a platform for both local and international filmmakers, signaling a significant cultural and economic pivot for the country.

Read the Full U.S. News & World Report Article at:
[ https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2024-12-13/saudi-arabia-banned-film-for-35-years-the-red-sea-festival-is-just-one-sign-of-the-industrys-rise ]