PARIS - Saudi Arabia announced on Monday that it will participate in the 71st edition of the Cannes Film Festival scheduled to take place from May 8-19. The Kingdom’s presence is in line with its strategy to develop a vibrant and sustainable film industry in Saudi Arabia, as well as to engage the global international film community.

“We are delighted to participate at the 71st edition of the Cannes Film Festival, one of the world’s leading film festivals and largest gatherings of industry professionals. The Kingdom looks forward to its debut presence at the festival, celebrating and supporting the diversity of talent and opportunities within the Saudi film industry,” said Dr. Awwad Alawwad, Minister of Culture and Information and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Culture Authority.

“With a rich tradition of storytelling, Saudi Arabia is embarking on the development of a sustainable and dynamic industry that supports and encourages all stages of a film cycle and offers an incredible range of locations for the world’s filmmakers to discover.”

The Saudi Film Council (SFC) pavilion will offer several opportunities for delegates to interact with Saudi filmmakers, participate in roundtable discussions with Saudi industry representatives and to understand the Kingdom’s industry ambitions through its various initiatives and programs.

A selection of nine short films by Saudi Arabia’s young filmmakers, demonstrating the incredible spectrum of the country’s stories, voices and creative talent, will screen at Cannes’ Short Film Corner on May 14 and May 15.

Thierry Fremaux, Cannes Film Festival General Delegate, commented on the Saudi Film Council’s confirmed attendance at Cannes: “I am thrilled that Saudi Arabia has launched the Saudi Film Council with a clear focus on nurturing its filmmaking talent and sharing Saudi stories with the world. The Saudi Film Council’s participation at the 2018 edition of the Cannes Film Festival is a great way of opening up global opportunities for its creative talent. The many young filmmakers among the Saudi delegation will have access to the world’s most prestigious film festival, including meaningful interactions with leading, international film industry professionals.”

The Saudi Film Council was launched in March, as part of the Kingdom’s drive to develop a vibrant society and propel economic diversification through new industries under Vision 2030. It was launched by the General Culture Authority (GCA) of Saudi Arabia as one of its five key cultural industry sector entities. - SG