Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The feature film "The Tambour of Retribution" (Had Al Tar) will officially represent Saudi Arabia in the upcoming Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category, the Film Commission has announced.

The film was nominated by a specialized committee and will compete against other films from around the world. It will go through several screening stages before making it to the final list chosen by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, which will be awarding the Oscars.

"The Tambour of Retribution," by Saudi director Abdulaziz Al-Shilahi, won the Special Jury Prize alongside the Best Acting Performance Award at the 42nd Cairo International Film Festival.

The story takes place in the 1990s and revolves around the son of an executioner who falls in love with the daughter of a wedding singer. Between celebrating joy and marking death, the question arises of who will sacrifice their dream to make the world a better place.

Commenting on the nomination of his film at the Oscars, Al-Shilahi said: "I am happy and proud to represent the Kingdom in the Oscar race for the best international feature film category."

"Great films have preceded us, more films will follow, and Saudi cinema will reach the ambition of its makers," he added.