Arab cinema

A monthly tour of the newest movie releases from the Arab world and beyond

On the centenary of his birth, Al Majalla highlights some of the many standout films of the legendary Egyptian director's illustrious career

Featuring a production market, workshops, discussions, and international collaborations, this year's festival shows that the event has evolved into a space that shapes films before they are made.

Al Majalla speaks to Saudi film director Samaher Mously on her debut short film that uses dark humour to explore the tyranny of beauty as perpetuated by the global cosmetics industry

A visionary film, and the state-of-the-art way in which it was shot, shows how modernised production is moving the country's movie-making up to global standards with a new genre: Arab action

'Norah' is the first Saudi film to be featured at the Cannes Film Festival. In an interview with Al Majalla, its director discusses the challenges he faced and how he feels about the landmark moment.

Filmmakers are being adventurous, and production quality is superb, but the tendency to over-indulge has lessened the impact of some Saudi films. Still, the future is bright.

Film director Kaouther Ben Hania's innovative and unconventional docudrama is part-real, part-fiction. The Tunisian family it depicts is real, as is their pain, and it is scooping up many awards.

Majid Zuhair Samman says Ithra aims to help Saudi filmmakers tell authentic stories and support a new generation of creative storytellers

The festival kicks off with the world premiere of the Saudi film "Inheritance", directed by Yasir Al-Yasiri, along with 35 other Saudi films.