HOBAL
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LUMIÈRE, LE CINÉMA
Director: Thierry Frémaux
A contemporary film collating works shot by Louis and Auguste Lumiere from the earliest years of cinema, superbly preserved and restored by the Lumiere Institute in Lyon. Cannes Film Festival director Thierry Frémaux provides an informative commentary as toddlers squabble, a magician performs a trick and a train pulls into a station; the score is by Gabriel Faure, a composer favoured by the Lumiere brothers themselves. More than a hundred short films of 50 seconds each, provide a window both into ordinary life around the turn of the 19th century – not only in France but in places as far-flung as Japan and Algeria - and the wonder felt at the Lumieres’ astonishing invention, the cinematograph, a miracle whose magic continues.
MY FRIEND AN DELIE
Director: Zijian Dong
This remarkable adaptation of Shuang Xuetao’s novel is the debut film from actor-turned-director Dong Zijian that flashes back and forth in time to tell a touching story of friendship and family strife. Following his father’s death, Limo (Liu Haoran) is flying back to his hometown in northeastern China, when he spots his childhood friend An Delie (played by director Zijian) (Dong) on the plane, who fails to recognise him. When their flight is diverted because of heavy snow, the duo go on a journey that brings back long-forgotten memories in which Limo has to deal with the demons from his past. Beautifully photographed by Pema Tsedan across two time periods, the film shows the long-term emotional impact of the traumas of our childhood.
LITTLE JAFFNA
Director: Lawrence Valin
“You’re not in Paris any more. You’re in Little Jaffna.” During the civil war in Sri Lanka that raged from 1983 until 2009, Tamils in the Parisian district of Little Jaffna were forced to contribute towards buying arms for Tamil Tigers. Aya, ostensibly a grocer, leads the ruthless extortion gang that bleeds the community dry. Michael, a straight-shooting young police officer with Tamil roots, is sent to infiltrate the organization but as he befriends the gang’s members at terrible risk to himself, he starts to see the issue in a more nuanced way and feels his loyalties shifting. Valin combines the theatricality of Tamil movies with the hard edge of new French cinema, using largely non-professional actors, in this spectacular thriller.
In Conversation with the Saudi Pioneers Ibrahim Alhasawi and Meshal Almutairi
Director:
Two pioneers of Saudi cinema have played a crucial role in energizing the industry. Each has dedicated their talents to supporting young Saudi filmmakers, fostering creativity and innovation, and bringing untold stories to the screen. Their efforts have helped cinema tap into the wealth of experience already gained in theater and, above all, television. In this conversation, we explore the significance of traditional narratives crafted by exceptional actors, whose work has given young Saudi cinema a distinct identity. The contributions of two actors, formerly active in television series, are now working to elevate the role of actors in Saudi cinema. Ibrahim Alhasawi Ibrahim Alhasawi is a pioneering figure in Saudi drama and cinema. He is an actor, producer, and director having a career that spans over five decades. He began his journey in theater and wrote numerous colloquial poems, garnering numerous awards and honors throughout his career. Alhasawi is renowned for his complex and impactful roles. He has delivered exceptional performances in numerous television series such as "Tash Ma Tash," "Layla," and "Atr Al Jannah." In the realm of cinema, he has participated in over 11 films, several of which have won local, Gulf, and international awards. Among his most prominent cinematic participations, he appeared in the Bahraini film "Al Shajara Al Na’ima" (the sleeping tree) directed by Mohamedd Rashed Buali, and the Emirati film "Kabl An Nansa" (before We Forget) directed by Nawaf Al Janahi. Alhasawi has also shone in Saudi films such as "Al Masafa Sifr" (Zero Distance) directed by Abdulaziz Alshlahei, "Raven Song" directed by Mohammad Alsalman, and "Hajjan" directed by Abu Bakr Shawky. Today, he is collaborating once again with director Abdulaziz Alshlahei in the new film "Hobal," which is being screened at the fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival. Meshal Almutairi Meshal Almutairi is a Saudi actor and producer who has contributed significantly to the vitality of Saudi cinema. He has produced numerous exceptional works, most notably series such as "Al Huboob" and "Om Al Qalayed," as well as programs like "Sheft Al Layl" and "Al Mashhad Al Akhir." Almutairi has also played leading roles in several films and series, including "Kayf Lhal," "Arba'un Yawman wa Laylah," and "Tash Ma Tash." At the fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival, his films "Hobal" directed by Abdulaziz Alshlahei and "Holes" directed by Abdulmohsen Aldhabaan are being screened. Meshal has received numerous awards in recognition of his creativity, including the Best Actor award at the Saudi Film Festival in 2021.