Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is getting ready to host the fourth Gulf Cinema Festival (GCF) from April 14 to 18. The festival is organized by the Film Commission with support from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and is backed by Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud. The goal of the festival is to strengthen relationships among GCC countries and promote the growing Gulf cinema industry.
It will showcase 29 films from all GCC countries and honor experienced actors for their contributions to Gulf cinema, as state by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Alongside film screenings, three training workshops and six educational seminars to encourage discussions about art and the social impact of movies will also take place. Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector is growing rapidly, reflecting the country’s efforts to diversify its economy and attract visitors from around the world.
The decision to lift the cinema ban in 2017, part of the Vision 2030 reform agenda led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has played a significant role in this growth. Since then, the Saudi cinema industry has expanded, with 627 screens in 69 theaters catering to a population of 32.2 million people.