Samar Al-Muqrin
Al-Jazirah
People of all groups have welcomed a recent report on opening of cinema in the Kingdom. The joy was only short-lived as authorities later rejected the report. Enthusiastic people from all walks of life exchanged the good news through social media networks including Twitter, Snapchat and WhatsApp making thousands of comments, which could be summed up in four words: “Better late than never.”
Thousands reacted to that beautiful rumor, expressing their support and happiness. Many of them expected that it would be followed by the announcement of a bylaw for opening cinemas in the country, including terms and conditions to get license for opening one.
But all those expectations were trashed with General Authority for Audio and Visual Media claiming the report as just a rumor. “There is no truth in the report circulated through the social media,” the authority said in a categorical statement.
Interestingly, the authority’s announcement was circulated by the same social media account that publicized the denial report. The huge public response toward the report must open our eyes as it reflects people’s thirst for an important entertainment medium like cinema.
Saudis have been keen to know the latest developments in the world of cinema. The huge number of Saudis who cross King Fahd Causeway every weekend is a clear evidence in this regard. Many Saudi families go to cinema when they visit neighboring Gulf, Arab and other countries. Many of them download latest films from the Internet to watch them at home.
I believe that the decision to open cinemas in the Kingdom would not take long. The emergence of a rumor on the matter and its circulation through a government website gives optimism that it is just a matter of time nothing more, despite the strong opposition.
Such voices of opposition are quite natural when a new step or measure is inititated. But the wide welcome received by the report reflects the ground reality. The social media has become a barometer to know public response toward an issue and people’s desires and objections.
Saudi Arabia was one of the first countries to introduce cinema long time ago, much before many others did. Many young Saudi men and women have received international awards for producing films that have been exhibited at major film festivals across the world, including the recently concluded Dubai International Film Festival.
These young artists should be given every support to promote their capabilities in script writing and producing films. They have proved their capability despite all the obstacles they have faced. The best way to support them is to open cinemas to show their films. We are eagerly waiting for the day when people in the Kingdom would be able to go to the cinemas.
