RIYADH: Following a successful preview tour at Cannes, Art Dubai, Tribeca Film Festival and others, Reframe Saudi will be shown in its entirety for the first time at the World VR Forum (WVRF).
Presented by the MiSK Art Institute, the virtual reality (VR) documentary Reframe Saudi has been chosen as an official selection of the WVRF, which is currently in its third year.
The experience is set to illustrate the continuing story of change in Saudi Arabia and will take place in a dedicated booth where it will be one of 13 films selected to take part in the competition.
MiSK Art Institute, a new artist-centered cultural organization operating under the auspices of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s MiSK Foundation, will launch the world premiere of the Reframe Saudi VR film, produced by CULTURUNNERS, together with a panel discussion on June 8th.
Directed by Italian filmmaker Matteo Lonardi, Reframe Saudi explores Saudi Arabia from the perspective of a new generation of contemporary artists. As the country enters a new phase socially and economically, the film transports viewers to the studios of artists between Jeddah, Abha and Riyadh. Each of them, through their work, reflects on a different aspect of this transformative historical time.
The panel conversation on June 8 will examine how VR can explore an artist’s practice in unprecedented ways, as seen in the film. Director Matteo Lonardi discusses with journalist Marisa Mazria Katz how he has used documentary VR to tell the story of artists around the world, and why the medium is set to unlock a whole new way to experience art.
Ahmed Mater, Director of the Misk Art Institute, said: “We are thrilled to present the film Reframe Saudi, in the World VR Forum. Collectively, the documentary and discussions around new communications technologies illustrate how art and the creative industries are an integral part of the change that is transforming Saudi Arabia.”
Mater added: “The Misk Art Institute, like the Misk Foundation more generally, works to empower the young Saudi population to unleash its talent. We do this at home, but vitally, by encouraging international cultural exchange and diplomacy, also abroad. It is essential at this time that Saudi artists engage with audiences around the world to help to tell the continuing story of change in Saudi Arabia.”
Reframe Saudi documentary chosen as official selection at 2018 World VR Forum
Reframe Saudi documentary chosen as official selection at 2018 World VR Forum
- Presented by the MiSK Art Institute, the virtual reality (VR) documentary Reframe Saudi has been chosen as an official selection of the WVRF
- Directed by Italian filmmaker Matteo Lonardi, Reframe Saudi explores Saudi Arabia from the perspective of a new generation of contemporary artists
India Mahdavi named jury head for Design Doha Prize 2026
DUBAI: Renowned French architect and designer India Mahdavi has been appointed as the head of the jury for the Design Doha Prize 2026.
Born in Iran, the designer’s work includes projects at Hotel du Cloitre in Arles, the Coburg Bar at London’s Connaught Hotel, Monte Carlo Beach in Monaco, the Rivington Hotel in Manhattan, and the Townhouse Hotel in Miami.
As the head of the jury, Mahdavi will convene and lead a panel of regional and international experts to identify achievements in contemporary design at the biennial showcase for design that covers Qatar, as well as the broader Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Mahdavi also previously released a collection with Swedish retailer H&M, in addition to her own furniture objects.
“Her work transcends geography, transforming emotion, color, and form into a universal language of beauty and belonging. India’s vision — rooted in diversity, joy, and purpose — will guide us in recognizing designers who redefine what it means to create from this region, for the world,” Fahad Al Obaidly, acting director of Design Doha, said in a released statement.
“This region, one of my cultural homes, resonates deeply with me. I am awed to witness its design landscape grow and evolve,” Mahdavi added.
The Design Doha Prize will be awarded on April 14, 2026. It will honor innovation and craftsmanship in four categories: Craft, Product Design, Furniture Design, and Emerging Talent, with each winner taking home just under $55,000.
