Jeddah: In a major milestone for Saudi Arabia’s emerging movie industry, Jeddah’s Hayy Cinema recently hosted a special event — Aflamna (meaning “our films”) — in collaboration with Cineways, powered by NEOM.
The one-day program treated attendees to screenings of two short Saudi films, followed by conversations with the directors. The event not only showcased the talent within the Kingdom but also celebrated Hayy Cinema’s place as the first independent movie theater in Saudi Arabia.
One of the featured films, “Lucky You’re Mine,” directed by Nora Abu Shusha, tells the story of Ahmad and Salma, a newlywed couple whose marriage is tested when Salma experiences a bipolar manic episode following a tragic event. Despite the challenges the couple face, Ahmad is determined to support his wife. However, their struggle to effectively communicate leads them to a crossroads where the future of their marriage hangs in the balance.
Abu Shusha is a filmmaker who explores interpersonal relationships through a blend of drama and comedy. Her work often touches on themes such as gender, class, love and purpose. She has worked as a writer and producer on documentaries and TV shows for more than a decade. Abu Shusha’s debut short film script for “Lucky You’re Mine” won a production fund award in the Daw Film Competition held by the Saudi Film Commission.
With a passion for storytelling, Abu Shusha continues to create compelling narratives through her own production house in Jeddah.
On showcasing her work at Hayy Cinema, Abu Shusha said: “I have a deep affection for this place, and I take pride in the vibrant activities and talented individuals it houses. In terms of quality, I can confidently compare it to some of the best existing centers.”
Another film showcased at Aflamna was “Sukoon: Addiction of Silence,” produced and co-directed by Ahsan Minhas and Marwan Bakri. Both directors have previous successful films, with Minhas’ “My Dear Fiction” selected at the 1st Red Sea International Film Festival and winning at the Global Film Awards in Los Angeles.
Minhas highlighted the value of showing “Sukoon” in Saudi Arabia: “It has been a wonderful experience to bring a very special and personal film for me to the screens and have audiences experience the cinematic nature of what it’s trying to tell, which is a very personal and universal story at the same time.”
On future work, Minhas said: “We’re working on a proof of concept that is on a very different spectrum in society, pushing Saudi into a different direction with more international but local stories fused together. We already have submitted one for a couple of festivals, and a lot of things are coming up, with three films back to back. Everything is original, mostly written by me, and we’re hoping for a bright future.”
Zohra Ait El-Jamar, senior manager of Hayy Cinema, told Arab News: “Aflamna is an initiative that we’re happy to collaborate on with Cineways. Aflamna, in short, aims at showcasing stories that audiences can identify and relate to.” El-Jamar underlined the importance of the program in supporting the development of the Saudi Arabian film industry by providing a platform for emerging filmmakers to show their work and gain exposure.
El-Jamar highlighted the role of Aflamna in fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, encouraging the exchange of ideas and experiences among filmmakers.
“By promoting local talent and encouraging creativity, Hayy Cinema contributes to the growth and recognition of the Saudi Arabian film industry on a national and international level,” she said. “Given the success of this rendezvous, we are very much looking forward to hosting more Aflamna screenings at Hayy Cinema in collaboration with Cineways.”
Hayy Cinema is launching its autumn program with a focus on local productions while also providing access to international indie films. El-Jamar highlighted how this approach contributes to the development of the Saudi film industry and provides audiences with a wide range of cinematic experiences and genres.
Cineways provides a platform for emerging filmmakers to succeed on an international level by offering comprehensive courses and workshops.
Working closely with NEOM and the Saudi Film Commission, Cineways aims to develop Saudi talent to meet and exceed global standards. Its efforts bridge the gap between local talent and international benchmarks, empowering aspiring filmmakers and elevating the Saudi film industry as a whole.
Aflamna celebrates Saudi film renaissance at Jeddah’s Hayy Cinema
https://arab.news/y3zxt
Aflamna celebrates Saudi film renaissance at Jeddah’s Hayy Cinema
- The one-day program treated attendees to screenings of two short Saudi films, followed by conversations with the directors
- The event not only showcased the talent within the Kingdom but also celebrated Hayy Cinema’s place as the first independent movie theater in Saudi Arabia
Jeddah students get closer look at electric motorsport
- A PIF-linked initiative highlights technical and engineering careers behind electric racing events
JEDDAH: Students from local and international schools in Jeddah were introduced to STEM-related career pathways in electric motorsport this week, as part of an education program linked to the UIM E1 World Championship held on the Red Sea.
The sessions formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners, to familiarize students aged eight to 18 with science, technology, engineering and mathematics through electric racing and sustainability-focused industries.
The programme took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access designed to show how engineering, data, broadcast technology and event operations function within professional motorsport.
According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The program took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access.
• Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.
• According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year.
John Williams, managing director at E1, told Arab News: “The PIF is absolutely vital to everything we do here at the E1. They were crucial initial investment partner since the start of the championship and they continue to support us in a number of ways and more specifically around the Driving Force program.”
Elaborating more on the program, he said: “What we are doing is presenting and showing these students the available careers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as careers in sports, not only pilots but also engineers and mechanics.”
Williams added that the main key to the program was bringing a new generation to the mechanism of sport.
“We are introducing to these exciting new technologies around the race but it could be our technology on the boat or our broadcast products, as well as how to manage the event its self. There are a range of opportunities to show it to the children in addition to enjoying the excitement of the race and meeting the pilots.”
The program’s Jeddah activities began at King Abdulaziz University’s faculty of maritime studies, where students took part in a hands-on workshop focused on STEM careers in the motorsport and sustainability areas conducted by technology experts and famous water pilots such as Dani Clos, Emma Kimilainen and Patricia Pita.
Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.
They also enjoyed exclusive behind-the-scenes access at the E1 Jeddah GP, pilot meet-and-greets, and front-row seats to watch the RaceBird boats in action.
