Nahed Turkistani, a professor of ceramic art at Jeddah University and one of the exhibition’s organizers, said the event featured around 20 Saudi works
Turkistani highlighted the distinctiveness of the Saudi pieces which showcased works representing innovative artistic ideas
Updated 19 September 2024
Arab News
CAIRO: Saudi artworks at the second edition of the Beyond the Frame art exhibition — currently at the Cairo Opera House — have attracted visitors of various nationalities and ages, who have praised the diversity and uniqueness of the works.
Nahed Turkistani, a professor of ceramic art at Jeddah University and one of the exhibition’s organizers, said the event featured around 20 Saudi works in photography, sculpture, Arabic calligraphy, and painting.
She highlighted the distinctiveness of the Saudi pieces which showcased works representing innovative artistic ideas reflecting intellectualism, diversity and creativity.
Turkistani said the event emphasized the spirit of cooperation and cultural and artistic exchange between the participating Arab countries, with the focus on the traditions of the societies involved.
She also noted the support provided by the Saudi Embassy in Egypt during the event.
Red Sea Fund broadens film support to include Asian filmmakers
“The fund provides financial grants enabling emerging filmmakers to showcase their creative talents,” said Imad Iskandar, director of the Red Sea Film Fund
Updated 10 February 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Red Sea Fund, under the Red Sea International Film Foundation, has announced it will now extend its post-production support to emerging filmmakers from Asia, marking a first in its history.
This expansion builds upon the fund’s established support for creators from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, and Africa, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The fund has opened its first round of applications for 2025, with submissions being accepted until Feb. 27.
The fund has opened its first round of applications for 2025, with submissions being accepted until Feb. 27. (SPA)
This round specifically targets completed productions seeking post-production support, encompassing feature films, documentaries, and animated works.
Through direct financial grants, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between filming and final cut, according to the SPA.
The initiative reflects the Red Sea International Film Foundation's broader mission to nurture emerging talent across cultural boundaries, giving them the opportunity to complete their film projects and showcase their unique narratives to the world.
“The fund provides financial grants enabling emerging filmmakers to showcase their creative talents,” said Imad Iskandar, director of the Red Sea Film Fund.
“This expansion into Asia reinforces our commitment to amplifying diverse voices in cinema,” he said.
Since its inception in 2021, the fund has backed over 280 film projects, with many going on to receive recognition at prestigious international film festivals. Success stories from the fund’s portfolio have demonstrated its crucial role in transforming regional storytelling into global cinema.
Interested filmmakers can submit their applications through the fund’s official website at redseafilmfest.com/ar/red-sea-fund/. The program offers both financial grants and technical support necessary for project completion.
Saudi-backed film ‘Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo’ gets US festival debut
Updated 10 February 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Fund, Egyptian filmmaker Khaled Mansour’s “Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo” had its US premiere at the 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
With screenings on Feb. 9, 11, and 14 at the US festival, the film travelled to the country after screenings at the Venice Film Festival and Jeddah’s Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) in 2024.
The first Egyptian film to screen at September’s Venice Film Festival in 12 years, “Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo” tells the story of protagonist Hassan as he searches for a safe haven for his best friend, his beloved dog Rambo, after the canine is threatened by their landlord.
“The story of ‘Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo’ focuses on my generation and, through Hassan’s journey, we went deep into our thoughts, beliefs, fears, and sense of belonging. This project took about eight years to make because I intended to present unique and genuine cinema,” Mansour told Arab News at December’s RSIFF.
The auteur, who has also directed three short films and a mini-series titled “Rawaa Reads” (2023), continued: “It is my first feature-length narrative film, and this film is not (just) about a dog and his friend, but it is about the complexities of our generation, highlighting (the) struggle … that we go through in our society.”
The film was inspired by a real incident that resulted in an Egyptian court jailing four men in 2015 over the brutal killing of a dog, which was filmed and sparked outrage when the video went viral.
Sotheby’s ‘Origins’ auction in Diriyah achieves more than $17 million in sales, with Saudi artists shining
Updated 09 February 2025
Ghadi Joudah
RIYADH: Sotheby’s inaugural auction in Saudi Arabia, titled “Origins,” concluded on Saturday with a total of $17,283,840 in sales in the fine art and luxury categories.
The historic event at Diriyah’s Bujairi Terrace was a turning point for the Kingdom’s art and luxury scene, with Saudi artists garnering significant attention.
Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Company, highlighted the significance of the collaboration between Diriyah and Sotheby’s.
“A few years ago, we decided that Sotheby’s, as a 277-year-old brand, had to match up with Diriyah because the value systems were the same, and you can’t be Sotheby’s without being in Diriyah,” he said in his opening remarks.
The modern and contemporary art section featured works by Saudi artists that collectively realized $1.1 million in sales.
Abdulhalim Radwi’s vibrant 1984 market scene set a personal auction record, selling for $264,000 after fierce bidding online and in the room. (Supplied)
Mohammed Al-Saleem’s untitled work, sourced directly from the artist’s daughter, led the Saudi work on offer.
The piece, blending abstract Arabic calligraphy with Al-Saleem’s vision of Saudi landscapes, sparked intense competition among four bidders before selling for a remarkable $660,000 — triple its pre-sale estimate.
Abdulhalim Radwi’s vibrant 1984 market scene set a personal auction record, selling for $264,000 after fierce bidding online and in the room.
Ahmed Mater’s “Illumination Diptych (Makkiah Tale)” exceeded expectations at $102,000.
Mater, one of Saudi Arabia’s most acclaimed contemporary artists, is internationally celebrated, with works displayed by institutions throughout the Arab world, the UK and the US.
Rene Magritte’s “L’Etat de veille” sold for $1.2 million. (Supplied)
Maha Malluh’s “Magadeer” (from the “Food for Thought” series), inspired by the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Najd area of the Kingdom, sold for $84,000, also surpassing its estimate.
When it came to international works, surrealist Rene Magritte’s “L’Etat de veille” sold for $1.2 million and Fernando Botero’s “Society Woman” made $1 million. Meanwhile, Banksy’s “Subject to Availability” from his series of vandalised oils, sold for $1.2 million.
The luxury segment dazzled collectors with an extraordinary selection of rare items, such as a Patek Philippe Grand Complication watch, a Cartier diamond necklace from the Art Deco era, and a limited-edition Hermes Birkin bag crafted from exotic leather.
Collectors from 45 countries took part in the auction, demonstrating its global appeal, while nearly one-third of the lots were bought by buyers from Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, more than 30 percent of participants were under the age of 40, reflecting the growing interest in art and luxury items among younger generations.
Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan shares photo of King Abdullah with granddaughter Iman
Updated 08 February 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah took to Instagram on Saturday to share a touching photo of his father, King Abdullah, playing with his granddaughter Princess Iman.
The little girl is the daughter of Prince Hussein and his wife, Saudi Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein.
In the picture, the king is seen warmly interacting with Iman as she holds his cheeks.
“Iman with the dearest grandpa,” Prince Hussein captioned the post.
Rajwa and Hussein welcomed their first child on August 3, 2024.
At her birth, the king posted a tribute to his granddaughter on social media. Translated from Arabic, the post reads: “I thank God for giving us our first granddaughter Iman bint Hussein. I congratulate beloved Hussein and Rajwa for their newborn.
“We ask God to raise her well and protect her for her parents. You have lit up our family,” he added.
DHAHRAN: Ithra, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, is presenting a special vintage car exhibition, which began on Thursday.
The exhibition is part of the Japan Cultural Days event, hosted at Ithra headquarters in Dhahran to celebrate 70 years of Japan-Saudi relations.
The exhibition is part of the Japan Cultural Days event. (Supplied)
The exhibition is being held outdoors in the Energy Exhibit area, which provides a distinctive setting for this unique display.
Maha Abdulhadi, creative programs specialist at Ithra, told Arab News: “With help from Japanese classic car enthusiasts Ali Aldhamin and Nazar Alqlaf, we curated this display to showcase a broad range of vehicles that represent a significant chapter in the history of the Japanese car industry, which is highly appreciated in Saudi Arabia.”
The exhibition features 13 cars, most of which are owned by private collectors in Qatif, and spans a variety of classic models, modern designs, and concept vehicles. “This is a rare opportunity for car enthusiasts in the Kingdom to experience Japanese engineering and design up close,” Abdulhadi said.
The exhibition is being held outdoors in the Energy Exhibit area. (Supplied)
The display highlights the design, technology and innovative features of Japanese vehicles, with the cars available for viewing from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. each day.
“This unique exhibit showcases Japan’s innovative designs, precision engineering, and passion for performance, enhancing the festival experience,” Abdulhadi said. “A Japanese car show as part of the Japan Cultural Days highlights Japan’s rich automotive heritage, fosters community engagement, and promotes cultural exchange. It also attracts car enthusiasts.”
The exhibition ends on February 8, marking the conclusion of the Japan Cultural Days celebration.
