Daring to Use the Silver Screen to Reflect Saudi Society

Saudi Arabia has no legal movie theaters, but its filmmakers have a big budget and huge ambitions. The first Saudi Arabian feature film, funded by a Saudi prince and featuring a Saudi actress, portrays a family caught in a struggle between modernity and tradition. The film’s timing could be right, with Saudi women taking more public roles, pursuing education and opening companies without the permission of men. The filmmakers question fundamental aspects of Saudi society – particularly the restrictive roles for women and the complications those pose for men – while also promoting legal status for movies in Saudi Arabia. Owned by Saudi billionaire Prince Walid bin Talal, Rotana is one of the Middle East's fastest growing media companies. The movie – written by an Egyptian, shot by a Canadian in Dubai – opens in Cannes, London, Beirut, Cairo and Arab resorts. The prince hopes to convince his fellow countrymen and vice police with the force of logic and common sense. He argues that Islam does not forbid movies and offers a message for the youth of Saudi Arabia: “You deserve to be entertained, you have the right to watch movies, you have the right to listen to music.” – YaleGlobal