Prince Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz emphasized the significant role of cinema and films in cultural exchange and interaction among people with diverse civilizations and multiple cultures during his participation in the Saudi Film Confex held in Riyadh.

In a discussion session on culture, films, and soft diplomacy, Prince Turki bin Faisal highlighted the role of films in the Kingdom in serving as a window to introduce the world to Saudi culture and transmit the civilizations of nations.

He recalled the beginnings of film viewing accessibility in Saudi Arabia through television 50 years ago, which had an impact on introducing Saudi society to the culture of others, as well as acquainting others with the Saudi culture, confirming the common saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

Minister of Culture and board chairman of the Film Commission Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and Fim Commission chief executive Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Qahtani attended the Saudi Film Confex, along with a select group of
Saudi, Arab, and international artists, producers, and specialists.

During the session, Prince Turki bin Faisal highlighted his personal experience in film production, which showcased the Kingdom’s contributions to serving humanity.

He noted that the first film he contributed to producing was about the great Arab historian Ibn Battuta nearly twenty years ago. The semi-documentary, produced with Saudi funds, featured an international crew from Britain and the United States who traveled to the Kingdom.

In the same year, a film about the Hajj was also produced, with several Saudi businessmen contributing to its funding, Prince Turki bin Faisal said. He affirmed these films’ success in spreading to cinemas worldwide.

Prince Turki bin Faisal said his favorite is ‘Born a King,” which depicts the first journey undertaken by King Faisal when he was 13 years old as he was tasked by King Abdulaziz to represent him at the peace conference after World War I. Most scenes of the film were shot in Saudi Arabia, and it w
as one of the first narrative films in the Kingdom with Saudi actors and with the participation of Saudi nationals in production.

He added that his preference for the film was not only because it was about King Faisal but also because it stemmed from his love and dedication to portraying the true image of the Kingdom.

He commended King Abdulaziz’s personality, saying it deserves dozens of narrative films portraying his sacrifices and deeds alongside those of other kings and figures who contributed to shaping this country.

Prince Turki bin Faisal highlighted the presence of a wide scope for writers, producers, and directors to delve into this subject, hoping to witness a production that covers Saudi culture as well as human culture in general in the near future.

He stated that the first step towards a film’s success lies in the idea conceived by its creator, who then seeks funding, which constitutes the key to transforming the creative idea into a film screened on television and in cinemas.

Prince Turki b
in Faisal emphasized that the Kingdom’s leadership today has spared no effort to support this field through funds and resources to provide financing to producers and creators. He underscored the role of this support in opening up new horizons for the film industry.

He expressed hope that “producers do not focus solely on profit as the sole objective of their film production and artistic efforts in this field, but that they contribute to serving society.”

Regarding the developments in the film and cinema industry, Prince Turki bin Faisal stated that Saudi cinema today qualifies the Kingdom to become a global hub for creativity in terms of films, acting, and civilizational aspects.

He also commended the advancements in Saudi participation in theater, opera, and orchestra performances by music bands, including those recently held in London.

Source: Saudi Press Agency