Arts AlUla has welcomed a permanent new activation

The films screened at the outdoor theatre Cinema AlJadidah will span a wide array of genres.

AlUla has long been an ever-evolving hub of cultural transfer, a role it’s continuing with the return of the AlUla Arts Festival, presenting everything from special exhibitions and live performances to community engagement programmes and public art tours. Now, Arts AlUla has welcomed a permanent new activation aimed at celebrating film as part of the festival — meet Cinema AlJadidah, the city’s premier outdoor theatre that will showcase blockbusters, arthouse films, Arabic movies and more.

With AlUla Cinema week kickstarting on 23 February, in partnership with the Red Sea International Film Festival, a cinema programme packed with Saudi, Arab and international films will span ten days. First up on the agenda is a mini red-carpet event and the screening of the film Sattar at Cinema AlJadidah. The film’s story centres on Saad, a young man who auditions to become a professional wrestler in Riyadh. Though initially unsuccessful, the protagonist’s luck changes when he meets Ali Hogan, who becomes his manager and puts him on track to fulfil his goal. A panel discussion on Sattar will follow, bringing together filmmaker Abdullah Alarak, actor Ibrahim AlHajjaj, and producer Ibraheem AlKhairallah.

Soon after, 24 and 25 February will showcase an Arab Shorts and International Shorts programme respectively, with short films such as In the Long Run by Youssf Assabahi from Yemen, Zoo by Tariq Rimawi from Jordan, On My Father’s Grave by Jawahine Zentar from Morocco, Tsu Tsue by Amartei Amar from Ghana, and Turtle Soup by Choann from Singapore. Saudi short films, meanwhile, will be the focus on 3 March, with works such as VHS Tape Replaced by Maha Al-Saati, Zabarjad by Hussain Almoutlaq, and Old Phone Number by Ali Saeed.

While the Red Sea International Film Festival takeover will end on 4 March, other cinema programming will continue until Ramadan, with upcoming developments to be announced by Cinema AlJadidah. Incidentally, visitors can also experience Studio AlUla during AlUla Cinema Week. Located at a nearby farm in Ikmah Oasis, this fun and interactive space features several activities and experiences, including pop-ups where visitors can dress up in famous film costumes or play out their favourite movie scenes in set replicas.

 GO: Visit experiencealula.com for tickets and more information.