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The Saudi Film Commission has launched the second edition of the International Film Criticism Conference in Riyadh, running from November 6 to 10, 2024. This year’s conference, themed "Sound in Cinema," brings together an impressive gathering of international filmmakers, critics, and cinephiles to explore the impact of sound in cinema and its role in shaping the film experience.

The conference theme will delve into the artistry of soundscapes, including film scores, sound effects, and natural sounds, through a series of workshops, film screenings, and interactive exhibits. At the opening ceremony, attendees viewed a video detailing the conference’s goals and achievements, followed by remarks from the CEO of the Saudi Film Commission, Mr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Qahtani. He emphasized the commission’s commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia’s film industry as part of Vision 2030, which seeks to establish a sustainable and dynamic creative sector. "This conference is a platform for critics and cinematic innovators to exchange ideas, fostering a deeper cinematic awareness within the Arab world," Al-Qahtani noted.

The event also featured a keynote by acclaimed Saudi director Abdullah Al-Mohaisen, who underscored the importance of authentic, purposeful criticism in cinema. "Film criticism is the driving force of creativity for directors," Al-Mohaisen said. His remarks were followed by the screening of his award-winning documentary, Assassination of a City, which sparked a lively discussion moderated by film critics Ahmad Shawqi and Ahmad Alayyad.

The conference builds on recent film criticism events held in Hail and Al-Ahsa, reinforcing the Saudi Film Commission’s dedication to nurturing a critical film culture that aligns with the nation’s cultural values and elevates Saudi cinema on the global stage.

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