RIYADH: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has called on Britain and other countries to fully recognize Palestine as an independent state.
The statement was issued to mark the OIC’s displeasure at the British government’s intention to organize a celebration to mark Thursday’s centenary of the Balfour Declaration, which laid the foundations for the state of Israel on Palestinian territory.
Describing the declaration as “a heinous act,” the OIC condemned the anniversary’s commemoration, stating that the declaration has deprived Palestinians of their native land, and to celebrate that fact could only aggravate the already-tense situation in the occupied territories.
The OIC called on the UK government to face up to its historical, judicial, political and ethical responsibilities and, in partnership with the international community, to take positive steps to end the Israeli occupation and its illegal policies, practices and expansion plans.
The OIC’s statement also urged Britain to help the Palestinian people recover their legitimate national rights.
The OIC highlighted its support for the rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination, the right of return for refugees, and the right to establish an independent state within the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital.
The organization also pledged its support to international efforts to achieve comprehensive justice for Palestine under relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
The OIC also registered its appreciation of the Palestinian people for their steadfast dedication to their homeland, and their ongoing efforts to defend their land in the face of Israeli aggression.
OIC calls for recognition of Palestine as independent state
OIC calls for recognition of Palestine as independent state
Saudi Film Festival to return in April with focus on Korean cinema
- Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do
DHAHRAN: The Saudi Film Festival, organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, has announced that it will launch at Ithra in Dhahran between April 23-29.
This year’s festival explores the theme of “Cinema of the Journey,” presenting a selection of Arab and international films, both short and feature-length, that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
The theme encourages Saudi filmmakers to explore this subject through their own perspectives. It positions cinema itself as an act of continuous transition, where identity, place, and time converge to shape the human experience.
FASTFACTS
• This year’s Saudi Film Festival will explore the theme of ‘Cinema of the Journey,’ presenting a selection of Arab and international films that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
• The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
Following last year’s focus on Japanese cinema, the festival will present a special “Spotlight on Korean Cinema” this year.
Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do. This year’s festival creates an atmosphere filled with inspiration, idea exchange, and shared learning. It’s a celebration of cinematic creativity for everyone.”
Tariq Al-Khawaji, deputy director of the festival, added: “At Ithra, we’re proud of our longstanding partnership with the Cinema Association. It has enabled the festival’s growth and thematic diversity year after year, which we see clearly in how we empower filmmakers and create opportunities to engage with global cinema.
“The festival continues to grow across all areas, from preparations and participation to industry expectations locally and regionally. That makes attention to every detail essential.”
Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. After intermittent early editions, it has now established itself as an annual platform for narrative and documentary competitions, industry programs and project markets.
By bringing together emerging and established filmmakers in Dhahran each year, the festival strengthens Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the global film stage.
