The first Saudi movie

[Deleted]

Most people don't know that movies are banned in Saudi Arabia. Up until the 1970's there were cinemas in the country, but starting in the 1980's they were considered anti-Islamic and every cinema and legitimate theatre in the country was closed.

Since June 2009, cinemas are again authorised, but the only cinema in the country (outside of expat compounds) is an Imax in Dhahran which shows films for children.

Just like in most countries, the Saudis love movies, so pirate DVDs are a major industry, and of course satellite TV showers down all of the movies they need from outer space. It's kind of sad, though, when you can't see a movie about life in your own country starring people from your country. The only local productions are soap operas showing the intrigues of the wealthy in their fabulous villas.

Anyway, a Saudi woman has at last managed to make a Saudi film in Riyadh. She had to direct it from inside a pickup truck because she could not be seen mingling with men. The movie comes out in France and Belgium tomorrow after playing in Iceland last November. This spring, it will be visible in the Netherlands and Sweden. It doesn't seem to have a Saudi release date.

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Now the Saudis are presenting this film for consideration in the category of "Best Foreign Film" at the Oscars. Since it is the only Saudi film ever made, it could have also competed for worst film at the same time.

[bixaorellana]

Oh, I'm so glad you bounced this thread to the top again, since I don't remember seeing it when it was new.

I certainly did not know that movies are banned in Saudi Arabia. Wonder what happened to all the movie theaters when they were shut down.

If it's being officially presented as a Saudi entry at the Oscars, that must mean that there is acceptance of the director & of the message, which seems critical of Saudi attitudes toward females, right?

Gosh, everyone in the trailer is so beautiful! Well, except for the teacher -- uck.

[bjd]

I don't think there ever were movie theatres in Saudi Arabia, Bixa. Until the Saudi/Wahhabi monarchy formed in the 1930s, it was just a bunch of tribes in the desert.

[Deleted]

I read that there were some cinemas in Saudi Arabia up until around 1975. However, the religious police (Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice - that is their official name) managed to get them all banned. The Ministry of Culture is suddenly really enthusiastic about cinema and suggests a fast track timeline as per usual Saudi speed: only Saudi films would be allowed for the first ten years, then Gulf films for the next seven years, then the last three years could open up the Kingdom to films from across the Arab world.