The Hindu
Saudi Arabia's first film breaks barriers in India
New Delhi, July 18. (PTI): History was created at the world premiere of "Keif Alhal", the first ever Saudi Arabian feature film, at the Osian's Cinefan festival here.
Ironically, the breakthrough film by director Izidore Musallam was screened first in India rather than the conservative Arab kingdom which has no cinemas.
Even the filmmaker agrees that the decision to exhibit the film in India was perhaps no coincidence.
"India is a secular country. The Cinefan film festival is very important for us and that is why the producers decided to bring it here first," Musallam told PTI in an interview.
The director is also hopeful that "Keif Alhal", which stands for 'How are you?' in Arabic, will pave the way for future filmmakers and setting up of theatres in Saudi Arabia.
"In fact, the Government has already expressed plans to construct a cinema complex in Riyadh by 2007 and I think that's an achievement," he said.
Billed as a romantic comedy, "Keif Alhal" uses the metaphor of a family in Saudi Arabia to depict a conservative society. It was completed in a 23-day shooting schedule in nearby Dubai as filming was not allowed in the country.
But it is no secret that the efforts of Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed bin Talal helped bring the film to fruition. He heads the media company that produced the film.
"The Prince is a liberal. He wants to address the issue of women's rights and is wary of radicalism," says Musallam.
"May be this film will open the doors for cinema in Saudi Arabia. We will be showing it in non-Arab nations and then we will bring the film to the Kingdom via DVDs."