RIYADH, 5 September: The Saudi Ministry of Culture and the General Entertainment Authority on Wednesday provided a round-up of a series of projects and agreements they said would enhance the quality of life in the Kingdom and help to develop professional capabilities in several sectors.
The first involves enhanced cooperation between the Saudi Film Commission and Sela, a company that specializes in experiences, events and destinations in the Kingdom.
Sela is a strategic partner of Riyadh Season, the annual series of entertainment, cultural and sporting events, and the goal of this collaboration with the Film Commission is to provide support for producers working at Al-Hosn Studios, one of the new zones that will debut when the 2024 season begins in October.
This support includes assistance with licensing procedures, access to the commission’s Film Production Support Program, and the establishment of a commission office within the studio.
As part of the second project, the Ministry of Culture is sponsoring a major fashion event called “1000 Seasons and a Season” that will take place in November, in partnership with renowned Lebanese designer Elie Saab, at The Venue, another zone that is a new addition to Riyadh Season this year.
In addition, the ministry is collaborating with Riyadh Season to sponsor a Christian Dior exhibition titled “Designer of Dreams” in historic Al-Murabba district. The touring exhibition, which has previously appeared in major cities including New York, London and Paris, will showcase a collection of classic and contemporary fashion split into 14 sections, and there will also be a Dior gift shop and cafe.
The third project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the GEA designed to aid the development of the Saudi oud-manufacturing industry. It will be supported by a Riyadh Season initiative to promote Saudi-made oud, in keeping with the joint efforts of both organizations to promote musical arts and traditional crafts in the Kingdom.
A fourth project will focus on strengthening a strategic partnership between the Saudi Music Commission and Merwas Studio, with the aim of establishing the latter as a global hub for music production and recording, fostering local musical talents, and attracting international talent to the Kingdom.
Described as the largest arts and entertainment factory in the Arab world, Merwas is located at Boulevard Riyadh City, which is one of Riyadh Season’s 15 entertainment zones and contains 22 studios. During the season, organizers say visitors to the Boulevard will have a chance to explore a world of content produced by renowned international production companies, including music, films and cinematography.
Turki Alalshikh, the chairperson of the GEA, also announced on Wednesday that Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan is sponsoring a Golden Pen Award, the aim of which is to encourage the adaptation of influential literary works into films.
