Officials at the Saudi film festival increased the window for submission in the category of short Saudi films to 15 days. Mamdouh Salem, director of Saudi film festival, told Arab News that the submission time for Saudi films was originally intended for April 1 but has been extended to April 15. The film festival will begin from May 1 on Rotana Movies.
“We have extended the deadline to encourage more Saudi filmmakers to participate with their films. We have received 55 short Saudi films so far, out of which 30 to 40 films will be shown at the film festival,” said Salem.
Head of the Rotana channel and organizer of the Saudi film festival Turki Al-Shabana, said that this extension was permitted to maximize participation.
Applicants who want to participate in the Saudi Film Festival can submit applications through their website www.saudiff.com.
Salem said this festival will allow creative filmmakers in Saudi Arabia to showcase their talent.
Different categories will be aired, including feature films, short films, documentaries, animated films and films that highlight the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s cultural development and civilization and stimulate the creative side of the film industry.
“We hope that a wide range of talented Saudi filmmakers will become involved in this 2nd Saudi Film Festival and to continue the process of promoting the Saudi film industry this year. Success in the past could be attributed to the participation of Saudi youth. We have opened the doors once again to concentrate on the area of filmmaking,” added Salem.
Submissions for Saudi film festival extended
Submissions for Saudi film festival extended
Essex man takes on charity endurance challenge for children in Gaza
- Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual Sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 2,287 miles
LONDON: A man in England has launched a demanding charity challenge to raise funds for children affected by the war in Gaza.
Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 3,680 km running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing.
He is raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians, a UK-based humanitarian organization that provides healthcare to Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories.
“I have felt helpless day after day seeing images of countless children in Gaza with broken bodies and missing limbs and witnessing their unbearable suffering,” Watson said on his JustGiving page.
“I have been inspired by the courage of those who took part in the global sumud flotilla and all of the activists who have put their lives and freedom at risk supporting the Palestinian people and so I am raising funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
“My challenge is to complete a virtual sumud from Harlow, where I live, to Gaza. Running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing I will cover the 2,287 miles as quickly as I can.
“I am an unfit, overweight 63-year-old, so I’m not going to break any records, but the Arabic word Sumud means steadfastness and perseverance, and I will give it my all.
Watson added: “I hope to be joined by people I love and admire along the way, so please support my fundraiser. Every donation, however small, will help save the lives of Palestinians.”
As of Jan. 3, his fundraising effort had reached 12 per cent of its £5,000 ($6,733) target.
The war in Gaza began after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which local health authorities say has resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and a severe humanitarian crisis.
International aid agencies have repeatedly said that children are among the most affected, facing injury, displacement, malnutrition and limited access to medical care.
Watson said he was inspired by activists and humanitarian efforts supporting Palestinians and hopes his challenge can make a small contribution to saving lives.
