Shorts Weekend: Saudi Films

Join us for an hour-long screening of three Saudi short films that delve into the vibrant tapestry of contemporary Kingdom life. This journey traverses the emotional and visual spectrum of Saudis of all ages and backgrounds. From the stark solitude of a desert worker in Detour, to the profound connection between a camel and its owner against the dramatic backdrop of Al-Nyaq in Hadi Aleies, to the poignant homesickness of the Saudi diaspora in The Last Winter, discover these tales of isolation, longing, and unbreakable bonds in a truly unique cinematic experience.

We'll be showing 3 shorts followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. Don't miss out on a chance to discover exciting new voices in regional cinema.

Read on for the film descriptions:

Detour - Directed by Dhafer Alshehri
A simple employee with innocent dreams works in a detour for a project belonging to a company in a remote area. The area's remoteness affects his life and takes all his dreams away from him.
About the Director: Dhafer entered the art world in 2006 through theater. He has presented more than 90 plays, most notably "Al-Asha", "The Puzzle" and "Biography", and won four theatrical awards. Since 2009, Dhafer has worked on 9 TV series and participated in 10 films, most notably “Head to Head.”

Hadi Aleies - Directed by Abdullah Saharti
Camels remain central to life and culture in the Arabian Peninsula and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in particular. Produced by the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra) and filmed in the spectacular Al-Nyaq region, this film takes a fresh look at the history of these remarkable animals, the deep-rooted customs and traditions that have embedded them in Saudi culture and the emotional connections between the people of the Kingdom and their camels.
About the Director: Abdullah is a design professional with a bachelor of mass communication with a focus on radio and television broadcasting from the Modern University for Technology and Information. He's an experienced field director and producer with a demonstrated history of working in the media production industry. Abdullah's diverse background spans production management, film production, management, television, and media production.

The Last Winter - Directed by Hayder Dawood
Four years after his first trip to Sweden, Mohsen revisits his friend Hayder and finds him yearning for their homeland, Saudi Arabia. Together they navigate Hayder's last Nordic winter, deepening their bond as Hayder acknowledges his longings and plans the forthcoming change in his life.
About the Director: Hayder is a Saudi filmmaker from the Eastern Province interested in telling local Saudi stories through poetic realism and experimental filmmaking.

The screening will be preceded by a dialogue with film experts for those interested in making short films - to register click here