Overview of Feature Narrative Films at the 2025 Saudi Film Festival
The 2025 Saudi Film Festival features six key films in the Feature Narrative category, highlighting topics from familial relationships to societal expectations, showcasing the evolving landscape of Saudi cinema from April 17-23.
The 2025 Saudi Film Festival features six notable contenders in the Feature Narrative Film category from April 17-23. Each film explores unique narratives and themes within Saudi culture and history, showcasing the talents of both emerging and established filmmakers.
‘Hobal’ by Abdulaziz Alshlahei, starring Mila Al-Zahrani and Ibrahim Al-Hasawi, is set before the Gulf War in 1990. It follows a Bedouin family whose patriarch restricts them from modern cities. When his granddaughter Rifa contracts measles, her mother challenges these traditions, highlighting the film’s themes of conflict between tradition and modernity. The film has achieved significant popularity, amassing over 500,000 cinema admissions shortly after its January release.
‘My Driver and I’, directed by Ahd Kamel, tells a coming-of-age tale through the eyes of Salma, a girl in 1980s Jeddah, who forms a bond with her family’s chauffeur, Gamar. Their relationship evolves as Salma matures, leading to conflicts over expectations and boundaries placed upon her by both her family and Gamar, who intends to protect her reputation.
In ‘Songs of Adam’, Oday Rasheed blends drama with elements of magical realism. The story follows two brothers, Adam and Ali, starting in the 1940s, and focuses on Adam’s decision to resist growing up after witnessing a traditional burial rite. The villagers perceive him as cursed, while only his closest friends view his choice as an innocent gift, prompting discussions of societal norms and innocence.
‘Holes’, a psychological thriller by Abdulmohsen Aldhabaan, explores a couple’s tensions as they move into a new home that bears mysterious signs of disturbance. The story dives into Rakan’s psyche, revealing past traumas linked to family dynamics and leading to a deeper understanding of his current emotional state.
‘Fakhr Al-Suwaidi’, directed by Hisham Fathyn, Abdullah Bamajboor, and Osama Salih, follows Shaheen, an idealistic school principal who connects with troubled students, including Ziyad, Mazen, and Saeed. As he introduces a sharia class to reach them, tensions arise, particularly with his brother Moeen, who views the project as a misuse of resources.
The thriller ‘Session Adjourned’, directed by Mohammad S. S. Almujaibel, marks the return of actress Hind Al-Balushi. The plot revolves around a series of revenge-driven crimes, linked by the mysterious presence of a scorpion-shaped necklace. The narrative deepens with the twist involving the presumed suspect, Fahd’s father, who had committed suicide before the events unfolded.
These films collectively contribute to the evolving landscape of Saudi cinema and reflect the multiplicity of narratives emerging from the region, catering to a broad spectrum of audiences.
The 2025 Saudi Film Festival highlights a diverse array of films that not only entertain but also provoke thought regarding societal issues. Each film provides a unique lens into Saudi culture, exploring themes such as tradition versus modernity, personal relationships, and the complexities of youth. As the festival continues, these narratives are set to shape the future of Saudi cinema, showcasing the richness of local storytelling.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
