Dubai's The Beach to host Saudi Cinema Weekend

Roxy Cinemas will screen selection of Saudi shorts to celebrate Saudi National Day

The Beach has previously played host to the Samsung Short Film Festival Courtesy Samsung

Dubai’s The Beach, JBR, is to hold its first Saudi Cinema Weekend to celebrate Saudi National Day, which takes place on September 22.

From September 20-23, audiences can enjoy a selection of Saudi short films screening at The Beach's Roxy Cinema including Tawfik Alzaidi's story of fatherhood and sacrifice The Other, Mohammed Salman's tale of fighting superstition The Wedding Dress, Mamdouh Salem's biography of King Abdul Aziz Al Saud Desert Eagle, and Abdulaziz Alshlahei's Young Adult Drama The Departed.

The celebration of Saudi’s so far limited cinematic output comes at a time when the kingdom is seeking to become a major player in the region’s movie industry, having legalised cinemas at the turn of the year and attended its first ever Cannes Film Festival in May with the Saudi Pavilion.

The Beach will also be hosting a Saudi Day Horse Parade with Saudi traditional music at 6pm on September 22, while Saudi nationals will be able to claim a variety of discounts and free offers at The Beach’s many restaurants and shops all weekend, with stores including Bouchon Bakery, Urban Seafood, Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory, I Love Dubai, Roberto Cavalli, Patrizia Pepe, Sun Eye Optical Urban Seafood, Flying Cup, Dive N’ Surf and Flavio Castellani taking part.

Visit www.thebeach.ae for more details and times.

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Read more:

Saudi censors pass 'The Message' – Kuwait initially bans the film

Saudi cinema: Everything we know so far

Coming soon to Saudi cinema: Vox chief on what the future holds for the silver screen in the kingdom

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