Red Sea Film Foundation and Art Jameel bring back ‘Documentary Film Days'
The Red Sea Film Foundation, in partnership with Art Jameel, has announced the return of Documentary Film Days, now in its third edition, to be held at Hayy Cinema in Jeddah from May 3 to May 7. Hosted at Saudi Arabia's first independent cinema and audiovisual centre, the event promises to deliver a compelling lineup of global and local documentary films, aimed at deepening cultural dialogue and elevating the Kingdom's cinematic landscape.
This year's programme features 11 documentaries from across the world, curated to engage audiences with stories of resilience, heritage and creative expression. Among the international highlights is 4 Little Girls by filmmaker Spike Lee, an examination of the 1963 bombing of a Baptist church in Birmingham, Alabama, which claimed the lives of four African-American girls and became a defining moment in the American civil rights movement.
Regional narratives are also at the heart of the showcase. Palestinian filmmaker Areeb Zuaiter presents Yalla Parkour, chronicling the journey of a young athlete navigating life and ambition in Gaza. From Saudi Arabia, Ryan AlBishri's When the Light Shines tells the story of HRH Prince Faisal bin Abdullah and the founding of the Layan Cultural Foundation, emphasising the role of art in preserving Saudi heritage.
Other standout Saudi documentaries include Aseer Memory by Saeed Tuhatih, capturing the efforts of Mohammed Abdulmutalli to archive the history of the Asir region through rare artifacts and manuscripts; Othman in the Vatican by Yasser bin Ghanem, following the artistic journey of Othman Al-Khuzaim from Al-Kharj to Vatican City; and AlRoshan by Mohammed Ous, which explores the craftsmanship behind traditional roshan windows. The short film Kemokazi by Abdulrahman Batawie delves into the creative conflict of graffiti artist 'Kimo,' caught between conventional and street art forms.
The festival also features globally resonant works such as Dahomey by Mati Diop, documenting the repatriation of looted royal treasures from France to Benin; Tell Them About Us by Rand Beiruty, portraying the lives of migrant girls in Germany; and My Way by Thierry Teston and Lisa Azuelos, tracing the legacy of the iconic Frank Sinatra song. Egypt's The Brink of Dreams, directed by Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir, follows a group of Coptic women who challenge societal norms by founding an all-female street theatre troupe.
Complementing the screenings, the festival will host post-film discussions and Q&A sessions with notable filmmakers such as Spike Lee, Ryan AlBishri, Ahmed Mattar, Yasser bin Ghanem, Mohammed Ous and Saeed Tuhatih. These sessions aim to provide audiences with deeper insights into the filmmaking process and the real-life stories behind the films.
The closing weekend will feature a special 'In Conversation' event led by MAFLAM, Saudi Arabia's filmmaking learning platform, focusing on the growing role of women in documentary cinema. With its diverse programming and rich engagement opportunities, this year's Documentary Film Days reaffirms its place as a vital platform for storytelling and cinematic exploration in the Kingdom.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
2 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Abdul Majeed Abdullah concert expected to be one of biggest events on Abu Dhabi's music calendar
3 July 2025 07:18 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Saudi music icon Abdul Majeed Abdullah is set to perform live in Abu Dhabi at Etihad Arena on October 11. Known for his timeless hits and emotional performances, this one-night-only show promises to be a landmark cultural singer, composer and actor is one of the most prominent and influential artists in the world of Arabic music. His artistic career spans more than 40 years, during which he has left an indelible mark on the Gulf and Arab music scene. In 2019, the 'Prince of Tarab' was honoured with a star on the Dubai Walk of January this year, he was included in Billboard's inaugural Global No.1s series, alongside international stars like Dua Lipa, Yang Kun, and Diljit 62-year-old is distinguished by his powerful voice, emotional lyrics and unique style that combines authenticity and modernity, making him an artistic icon who unites his debut in the 1980s, Abdullah has emerged as a pioneer of romantic music, successfully blending traditional Gulf styles with modern musical arrangements, building a broad fan base both inside and outside Saudi Arabia. Throughout his career, he has released dozens of albums and songs that have topped charts and become prominent symbols of Gulf songs are characterised by deep emotion and powerful expression, addressing themes of love, loss, nostalgia and self-reflection. His most notable and popular songs include 'Tatanafasak Doniay' (My World Breathes You), 'Tanaduh' (Contradiction), 'Ya Ibn Al Awadim' (Oh, Son of People), 'Yumken' (Sometimes), and 'Ahebek Forever' (I Love You Forever), all of which have garnered millions of views and streams across music platforms such as Anghami, Spotify and stage, Abdullah is renowned for his striking presence and ability to create an emotional connection with the audience, transforming each concert into a captivating musical experience. He has performed at major concerts at major Gulf and Arab music festivals, such as the Riyadh Season, Abu Dhabi Classics, and Jeddah Superdome, achieving remarkable audience turnout and critical show at the Etihad Arena in October is expected to be one of the biggest musical events of the year in the UAE capital. He will be performing a selection of his most popular hits amid a festive atmosphere with world-class sound and lighting. For fans of Khaleeji music, attending an Abdul Majeed Abdullah concert is not just an entertainment event, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Time Out Abu Dhabi
2 days ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Abdul Majeed Abdullah is returning to Abu Dhabi for one night only
One of the biggest names in Arabic music is coming back to the capital. That's right – Abdul Majeed Abdullah is returning to Abu Dhabi this October for what's set to be one of the most memorable nights of the year. The Saudi superstar will take the stage at Etihad Arena on Friday 11 October, delivering a live show packed with his legendary hits, emotional ballads and signature stage presence. Fans can expect to hear favourites like Tetnafasek Denyaay, Tanakud and Yabn Elawadem in a performance that blends nostalgia with pure musical energy. Known for selling out arenas across the region, Abdul Majeed Abdullah's return to Abu Dhabi is already creating buzz – and with good reason. His previous shows have drawn fans from all over the Middle East and this one is shaping up to be just as unforgettable. Tickets start from Dhs395 and if you want to beat the rush, you'll want to sign up now for pre-sale access via Live Nation Middle East, which goes live at midday on Wednesday, July 2. General ticket sales open on Thursday, July 3 at midday. Whether you've followed his music for years or are discovering it for the first time, this is your chance to catch one of the region's most iconic voices in the heart of Abu Dhabi. From Dhs395. October 11, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, You might also like… Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted 12 fantastic road trips across the GCC Fill up the tank and go Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus: How to travel between the two cities Everything you need to know, from getting a Nol card to bus timetables Old Abu Dhabi: 15 best spots to uncover the history of the capital Peel back the layers of time
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Khorfakkan wraps up 4th Mango Festival with success
Over 200 Mango Varieties on Display from More than 35 Farmers In a statement to 'Sharjah 24,' Al Jouhari described mangoes as 'the queen of summer fruits,' highlighting that more than 200 varieties were showcased at the festival, presented by over 35 farmers from both inside and outside the UAE. This, he said, gave the event a diverse character, rich in flavor and participation. Regional and International Participation from Farmers and Institutions The Chairman of the Protocol and Social Communication Committee noted that the festival attracted Arab and African participation from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Uganda, and Pakistan. In addition, there was active involvement from several government and private institutions, as well as productive families. Future Editions to Grow in Size and Scope Al Jouhari concluded by affirming that future editions of the festival will be larger and more abundant, pointing to development plans aimed at expanding participation and strengthening the festival's presence both locally and internationally.
