In a new achievement added to the growing record of Saudi cinema, the documentary "Against Cinema," written and directed by Ali Saeed, won the Special Jury Prize (Salah Abu Seif Award) at its world premiere in the "Horizons of Arab Cinema" feature film competition. This accolade was bestowed at the closing ceremony of the 46th Cairo International Film Festival, one of the region's most prestigious film festivals, held amidst a notable gathering of leading film stars and filmmakers from around the world.
Historical context: Cinema in the face of absence
The film "Against Cinema" derives its significance from its subject matter; it is not merely a documentary, but a five-year research journey documenting the origins and development of cinema in Saudi Arabia. The film delves into the memories of the generation of the 1980s, a generation that grew up with a love for the seventh art at a time when movie theaters were absent from the public sphere. After a period of relative prosperity in the 1960s and 70s, Saudi Arabia witnessed the closure of cinemas in the early 1980s, plunging the country into a period of hiatus from public screenings that lasted for more than three decades. During this time, cinema existed "against" the circumstances, through videotapes and home viewings that shaped the cinematic consciousness of entire generations.
The importance of the award and its impact on the film scene
The win for “Against Cinema” at the Cairo International Film Festival reflects the remarkable renaissance currently underway in Saudi cinema, a fruit of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and support the cultural and creative sectors. This victory is not only a tribute to director Ali Saeed and his team, but also a regional recognition of the quality and talent of Saudi filmmakers and their ability to tell their local stories in a compelling artistic style that resonates with Arab audiences. Locally, this award boosts confidence in young talent and encourages the production of more works inspired by Saudi Arabia’s rich history and heritage. Regionally and internationally, this recognition places Saudi cinema on the global festival map, opens new horizons for collaboration and co-production, and contributes to changing stereotypical images of the Kingdom, highlighting its profound cultural and social transformations.
A promising future for Saudi cinema
Director Ali Saeed noted that this award reflects the success of Saudi cinema, a path supported by institutional efforts such as those of the Film Commission and the Ministry of Culture. Honoring a film that documents the history of cinema in the Kingdom is itself a celebration of the past and an expression of optimism for the future. By revisiting the testimonies of early pioneers and tracing the first attempts at production, "Against Cinema" bridges generations, connecting the flourishing present to the roots of the past, and affirming that the passion for cinema has never faded from the hearts of Saudis, even during the absence of the big screen.
