Ithra Film Production launches movie fund for international directors

Majed Samman is the head of performing arts and cinema at Ithra. (Arab News/ Ammar Abd Rabbo)
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Updated 24 May 2023
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Ithra Film Production launches movie fund for international directors

DUBAI: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) Film Productions has launched a new fund designed to attract international filmmakers to shoot fully financed movies in Saudi Arabia during the Cannes Film Festival.

Ithra Film initiative targets aim to fund up to five flicks a year. 

During a panel discussion, Majed Samman, head of performing arts and cinema at Ithra, said: “We invite international filmmakers to collaborate with filmmakers in the Kingdom and join us on our journey to accelerate talent and sector development in Saudi.

“By working with local crews, we hope to facilitate an organic process of knowledge transfer and cross-cultural exchange that would elevate the local industry and enrich the global cinematic landscape,” he added.

The deadline for Ithra’s open call for film proposals is Aug. 4. The projects will be selected by a panel of Arab filmmakers that are yet to be revealed.


Imaan Hammam shines in bridesmaid mode

Updated 29 December 2025
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Imaan Hammam shines in bridesmaid mode

  • Attends wedding of best friend and model Cindy Bruna

DUBAI: Supermodel Imaan Hammam recently attended the wedding of her best friend and fellow supermodel Cindy Bruna, who tied the knot with former basketball star and actor Blondy Baruti in an intimate ceremony in Paris.

Bruna, a French-Congolese model best known for her work with Victoria’s Secret and major fashion houses, married in a private celebration attended by close friends and family. She wore a custom gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Imaan Hammam (@imaanhammam)

Hammam was a part of the bridal party, serving as one of Bruna’s bridesmaids. The Dutch-Moroccan-Egyptian model wore a long, maroon-red gown with a sleeveless silhouette.

The dress was paired with matching elbow-length gloves in the same deep red shade, creating a coordinated and striking look that stood out but was in keeping with the formal event.

On Instagram she posted images with the caption: “Most special weekend celebrating my sis and Blondy. The most beautiful bride … truly. My heart is so full. We danced, we laughed, and we loved every moment.”

The floor-length gown featured clean lines and a streamlined cut, allowing the rich color to take centerstage. Hammam kept her styling minimal, letting the dress and gloves do most of the work.

Hammam and Bruna have been close friends for years, frequently appearing together at fashion events and on international runways.

Hammam is one of the most in-demand models in the industry. She was scouted in Amsterdam’s Centraal Station before making her catwalk debut in 2013 by walking in Jean Paul Gaultier’s couture show. 

Hammam has appeared on the runway for Burberry, Fendi, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Balenciaga and Carolina Herrera. And starred in international campaigns, including for DKNY, Celine, Chanel, Versace, Givenchy, Giorgio Armani and Tiffany & Co.

Earlier this year, she launched Ayni, an archival platform dedicated to preserving and celebrating Arab artistic expression from her perspective.

“For me, it’s always been so much deeper than just fashion. It is about staying connected to my roots, telling stories that move me and shining a light on the voices that need to be heard.”

She said her hope for Ayni is for it to grow beyond a personal vision and become a “real community.”