Latest news with #FaisalBaltyuor
Broadcast Pro
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Red Sea Film Foundation appoints Faisal Baltyuor as CEO
Baltyuor was the first head of Ithra Cinema and the first CEO of the Saudi Film Council. Faisal Baltyuor, a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia's emerging film industry, has been appointed CEO of the Red Sea Foundation, which oversees the Red Sea International Film Festival, the Red Sea Fund and the year-round Red Sea Labs initiative. He will officially assume the role on June 1, taking over from acting CEO Mohammed Asseri. Baltyuor's appointment marks a strategic move for the foundation as it continues to drive Saudi Arabia's cultural and cinematic development. Since the lifting of the kingdom's decades-long cinema ban in 2017, Baltyuor has played a pivotal role in shaping the national film landscape. He previously served as the first head of Ithra Cinema, backed by Saudi Aramco, and later founded CineWaves Films, the leading distributor of Saudi content with the largest library of local films. He also led Muvi Studios, the production arm of the kingdom's largest cinema chain, and most recently opened Riyadh's first arthouse cinema, Cinehouse. As a producer, Baltyuor's portfolio includes some of Saudi Arabia's most groundbreaking titles. He executive-produced Haifaa Al Mansour's acclaimed film The Perfect Candidate, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2019, and the box-office hit Sattar, a locally popular concept comedy. He also produced Netflix's From the Ashes, a Saudi original that ranked in the top 10 most-watched films in over 40 countries, and co-produced Goodbye Julia, directed by Sudanese filmmaker Mohamed Kordofani, which won the Prix de la Liberté at Cannes in 2023. In a statement, Red Sea Film Foundation Chairwoman Jomana Al-Rashid said: 'From its inception, the Red Sea Film Foundation has been driven by a singular mission: to ignite a cinematic renaissance across Saudi Arabia and the broader region.' She added: 'We are delighted to welcome Faisal to this transformative journey. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to unlocking the boundless potential of emerging talent will fuel not only artistic excellence but also the sustainable growth of our industry.' Baltyour commented: 'I am deeply honoured to assume the position of CEO at the Red Sea Film Foundation, a leading institution at the forefront of Saudi Arabia's cultural and cinematic evolution. In a remarkably short time, the foundation has secured its place on the global festival map, and we are committed to building on this success. Through our diverse programmes, we will continue to support a thriving film industry both locally and internationally, in line with the ambitions of Vision 2030, which places the creative sector at the heart of national development.' The upcoming fifth edition of the Red Sea Film Festival will run December 4-13 in Jeddah, on the Red Sea's eastern shore.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabian Film Pioneer Faisal Baltyuor Appointed Red Sea Film Foundation CEO
Saudi Arabian film industry pioneer Faisal Baltyuor has been appointed CEO of the Red Sea Foundation which oversees the Jeddah-based Red Sea Film Festival, the Red Sea Fund, and its year-round Red Sea Labs. He will replace acting CEO Mohammed Asseri effective June 1. More from Variety Hlynur Pálmason Finds 'Beauty in the Mundane' in 'The Love That Remains' and Calls for Change in Icelandic Film Industry Moritz Bleibtreu, Kida Khodr Ramadan Set to Play Gay Lovers in 'Hijiamat' With Arthood Entertainment Pre-Selling in Cannes (EXCLUSIVE) Playtime Launches Canneseries Winner Rafael Cobos' Debut Feature, 'Golpes' (EXCLUSIVE) Baltyour has been a driving force in the Saudi film industry ever since a religion-related ban on cinema was lifted in late 2017 holding posts as the first head of Ithra Cinema, which is financed by Saudi Aramco Oil Company, and then by founding and running Saudi distributor CineWaves Films, which has the biggest library of Saudi films, as well as holding the post of CEO at Muvi Studios, the production arm of Saudi' s biggest cinema chain. He recently opened Riyadh's first arthouse cinema called Cinehouse. As a producer Baltyour executive produced groundbreaking Saudi director Haifaa Al Mansour's 'The Perfect Candidate,' which launched from Venice in 2019, and Saudi concept comedy 'Sattar,' a local megahit. He is also a producer on the Saudi Netflix Original 'From the Ashes' which ranked among the top 10 most-watched films on the streamer across 40 countries. Baltyour also co-produced Sudanese director Mohamed Kordofani's 'Goodbye Julia' which won the Prix de la Liberté at Cannes in in 2023. 'From its inception, the Red Sea Film Foundation has been driven by a singular mission: to ignite a cinematic renaissance across Saudi Arabia and the broader region,' said Red Sea Film Foundation Chairwoman Jomana Al-Rashid in a statement. 'We are delighted to welcome Faisal to this transformative journey,' she added. 'His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to unlocking the boundless potential of emerging talent will fuel not only artistic excellence but also the sustainable growth of our industry.' Commented Baltyour: 'I am deeply honoured to assume the position of CEO at the Red Sea Film Foundation, a leading institution at the forefront of Saudi Arabia's cultural and cinematic evolution. In a remarkably short time, the foundation has secured its place on the global festival map, and we are committed to building on this success. Through our diverse programmes, we will continue to support a thriving film industry both locally and internationally, in line with the ambitions of Vision 2030, which places the creative sector at the heart of national development.' The upcoming fifth edition of the Red Sea Film Festival will run Dec. 4-13 in Jeddah, on the Red Sea's eastern shore. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Arab News
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi producer Faisal Baltyuor appointed new CEO of Red Sea Film Foundation
DUBAI: Saudi Arabian film producer Faisal Baltyuor has been appointed CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, it was announced on Tuesday. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ The foundation oversees the Jeddah-based Red Sea Film Festival, the Red Sea Fund and Red Sea Labs. Baltyuor will replace acting CEO Mohammed Asseri from June 1. A post shared by Red Sea Film Foundation (@redseafilm) Baltyuor was previously the first head of Ithra Cinema, and founded the Saudi Arabia distributor CineWaves Films, which has the biggest library of Saudi films. He was previously CEO at Muvi Studios, the production arm of the Kingdom's biggest cinema chain. Last year, Baltyuor opened Cinehouse in Riyadh, the first arthouse cinema in the Kingdom. 'We wanted to create a place that feels like home, while showcasing the best of Saudi talent in both cinema and dining,' Baltyuor said in an earlier interview with Arab News. A producer for almost 20 years, Baltyuor executive-produced Saudi Arabia director Haifaa Al-Mansour's groundbreaking 'The Perfect Candidate,' which was launched in Venice in 2019, and comedy 'Sattar,' a local megahit. He is also a producer on the Saudi Netflix Original 'From the Ashes' which ranked among the top-10 most-watched films on the streamer across 40 countries. Baltyuor also co-produced Sudanese director Mohamed Kordofani's 'Goodbye Julia' which won the Prix de la Liberte at Cannes in 2023. The Red Sea Film Foundation's chairwoman Jomana Al-Rashid has praised Baltyuor. 'His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to unlocking the boundless potential of emerging talent will fuel not only artistic excellence but also the sustainable growth of our industry.' Baltyuor said he was 'committed to building on the success' of the foundation. 'Through our diverse programs, we will continue to support a thriving film industry both locally and internationally, in line with the ambitions of Vision 2030, which places the creative sector at the heart of national development.' The next edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival runs from Dec. 4 to 13 in Jeddah.
Arab News
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Review: ‘CineHouse' in Riyadh
If you love cinema but are tired of the same old blockbusters showing at the major chains, then CineHouse in Riyadh's Ar-Rabi district could be just what the doctor ordered this Eid holiday. Opened late last year by Saudi producer Faisal Baltyuor, the city's first ever art house cinema has become a haven for movie enthusiasts keen to see classic, modern and cult favorites in a stylish setting. Located in One Square, CineHouse's three screening rooms have an elegant, old-school charm, with art deco lamps, marble floors and vintage film posters. Each room also has fewer seats than a standard cinema, which adds to the comfort and coziness. But with 4K laser projectors and an Atmos sound system the audio and visuals are top quality. The movie offering is rich and diverse. Recent screenings include classics such as '12 Angry Men' and 'Silence of the Lambs' and more modern fare such as Christopher Nolan's 'Interstellar' and last year's Palestinian indie favorite 'Passing Dreams.' The venue also hosted Korean Film Week and recently screened a selection of popular Arab shorts, including 'Dunya's Day,' 'I Am Afraid to Forget Your Face' and 'Al-Sit.' As well as the cinematic offerings, CineHouse serves up an excellent choice of dining options, including steaks and pasta, all feshly prepared to order. Tickets range from SR80-100 ($21-27).
