Saudi literature commission launches training program to raise cultural awareness

The Ministry of Culture, represented by the LPT, aims to develop the skills of Saudis in creative writing and professional translation. (Twitter/@MOCLiterature)
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Updated 04 May 2023
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Saudi literature commission launches training program to raise cultural awareness

  • ‘ANT’ initiative for trainers, trainees, talented young people
  • Courses on translation, publishing, writing from May 14-June 22

JEDDAH: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission launched a new training program called “ANT” on May 2, which targets trainers, trainees, amateurs and young talent in the field.

“ANT,” which means ‘You’ in English, is derived from the first letters of the three Arabic words for literature, publishing and translation.

The registration period runs until May 9, with the training courses from May 14 to June 22, and will be provided by professional trainers and experts in the field.

The program provides participants with a space to exchange experiences with specialists and experts in various fields including literary writing, technical translation, publishing and printing.

The program aims to raise cultural awareness in the field, empowering practitioners including writers, authors, publishers and translators.

There will be five diverse packages on topics including literary criticism and philosophy, publishing, creative writing, literature for children and adults, as well as translation.

Fees range from SR500 ($133) to SR850 ($226), with participants given certificates on completion.

The Ministry of Culture, represented by the commission, aims to develop the skills of Saudis in creative writing and professional translation.

The commission also provides several other accredited vocational training programs aimed at qualifying trainers in the field.


Berlinale responds to backlash over Gaza-related comments

Updated 16 February 2026
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Berlinale responds to backlash over Gaza-related comments

The Berlin International Film Festival has issued a statement after what organisers described as a growing “media storm” linked to comments about the war in Gaza and the broader role of politics in cinema.

Festival director Tricia Tuttle released a lengthy note late Saturday following criticism directed at several high-profile guests. The controversy began during the opening day press conference when jury president Wim Wenders was asked about the conflict in Gaza. He responded: “We have to stay out of politics because if we make movies that are dedicatedly political, we enter the field of politics,” a remark that sparked swift backlash online.

Indian author Arundhati Roy later withdrew from the festival, reportedly angered by the remarks.

Other prominent figures, including Michelle Yeoh and Neil Patrick Harris, also faced online criticism after responding cautiously to questions about politics. Harris stated that he was interested in “doing things that were ‘apolitical,’” a comment that further fuelled debate.

In her statement, Tuttle defended the festival and its participants, stressing the importance of artistic freedom. “People have called for free speech at the Berlinale. Free speech is happening at the Berlinale. But increasingly, filmmakers are expected to answer any question put to them. They are criticised if they do not answer. They are criticised if they answer and we do not like what they say. They are criticised if they cannot compress complex thoughts into a brief sound bite when a microphone is placed in front of them when they thought they were speaking about something else,” she said.

She added: “It is hard to see the Berlinale and so many hundreds of filmmakers and people who work on this festival distilled into something we do not always recognise in the online and media discourse… It is a large, complex festival.”

“Artists are free to exercise their right of free speech in whatever way they choose… nor should they be expected to speak on every political issue raised to them unless they want to,” Tuttle said.