Rotana movies channel is starting the second Saudi Film Festival from today for eight weeks under the supervision of film directors Mamdouh Salem and Hana Al-Umair, and broadcaster Mujahid Omari.
“In the first show of the festival three short films and a documentary will be shown. The films have been selected by a jury: Writer Abdo Khal, Hana Al-Umair, film critic Fahd Al-Yahya, artist Abdullah Al-Sanani and I,” said Salem. There is also a competition going on between the festival films for which the jury will award points. Prizes are awarded to the best short feature film, best actor, best actress, best editing, best film, best cinematography, best screenplay, best documentary, best influences of art, best director, people’s choice award, and a jury prize.
“Films will be shown every day at 10 p.m. on Rotana TV channel, providing almost 35 Saudi short films, animated films and documentaries in those eight weeks,” Salem added.
“There are 24 short films participating in this year’s festival, we received eight documentaries, and three feature films. The main aim of the festival is to promote Saudi films and filmmakers to a large audience so they will have a chance to show their talent to the world,” said Salem.
Rotana film fest to promote Saudi cinema
Rotana film fest to promote Saudi cinema
Bella Hadid hosts aid concert for Sudan, Palestine
- $5.5m raised at event in Los Angeles
- 20 artists and thousands at fundraiser
DUBAI: American Dutch Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid this week took part in a fundraising concert, Artists for Aid, held in Los Angeles to support humanitarian relief efforts in Palestine and Sudan.
Hadid shared photos from the event on her Instagram Stories, which she co-hosted with Chilean-American actor Pedro Pascal, a longtime advocate for humanitarian causes.
The concert was led by Sudanese-Canadian poet Mustafa and brought together musicians, actors and activists in a show of solidarity.
The Los Angeles edition featured 20 artists and drew thousands of attendees, raising $5.5 million. Proceeds will support the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund and the Sudanese American Physicians Association.
The event marked the third successful Artists for Aid concert, following earlier shows in Newark, New Jersey, and London.
To host the event, Hadid wore a black graphic T-shirt featuring a bold red and green rose motif, styled in a slightly oversized, rolled-sleeve fit. The top was tucked loosely into black trousers, while a red-and-black keffiyeh-style scarf was tied around her hips and worn like a wrap skirt, adding a layer of cultural symbolism to the look.
She completed the outfit with a black bandana worn low over her hair and tied at the back.
The model’s siblings, Alana Hadid, Marielle Hadid and Anwar Hadid, were among the guests in attendance at the concert.
After the event, the PCRF shared a post with Hadid and the SAPA, writing that it “was honored” to be a part of the event.
The organization added: “In an unforgettable evening, 20 artists and performers, along with thousands of attendees, showed how global solidarity can become real action, sending a powerful message of care and hope to children who have endured so much in both Palestine and Sudan.”
“We were especially moved to see Diaa and Ayham, two of our children who were evacuated from Gaza for life-saving treatment abroad, attending the concert in person, thriving and strong once again, just as we wish for all the children we serve.”
The organization went on to thank all the performers and the audience: “Together, you made last night a success that will ripple across the lives of countless children, reminding them that they are never alone.”
