- Details
- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Category: Film
Certain moments mark your career in unforgettable ways as a storyteller. Covering the red carpet at the world premiere of Without Blood, directed by Angelina Jolie, at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024 was one of those moments for me. This intimate yet star-studded event was a perfect blend of cinematic elegance and emotional storytelling, all set against the backdrop of Old Hollywood-inspired glamour.
Write comment (0 Comments)
- Details
- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Category: Film
Perfectly time with Saudi Arabia's designation of 2024 as "The Year of the Camel" and the UN's declaration of 2024 as the International Year of Camelids, the film Hajjan, which had its world premiere this September at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, is a powerful tale about the ancient and enduring bond between humans and camels. Beautifully shot in the enchanting desert landscapes of Saudi Arabia's northwestern region by Egyptian-Austrian writer and director Abu Bakr Shawky, the film offers an unprecedented cinematic journey into the world of camel racing.
Write comment (0 Comments)
- Details
- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Category: Film
Dark comedy thrillers aren't usually the first genre attributed, in most people's minds, to films coming out of Saudi Arabia. But Saudi filmmaker and director Ali Kalthami's Mandoob, which had its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, offers a surprisingly candid and eye-opening foray into Riyadh's rarely explored illicit underworld. The Kingdom's capital is portrayed as the ultra-modern global metropolis that is, along with its active nightlife and affluent home parties. Basically, it's not the Riyadh of your '90s imagination.
Write comment (0 Comments)
- Details
- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Category: Film
As the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) approaches in less than two weeks, I look forward to attending this magical celebration of some of the best films on the global cinema stage.
One of the most captivating stories in cinema currently is the rapid growth of the film sector in Saudi Arabia. Celebrating five years since cinemas reopened, Saudi Arabia is out in front as the top Middle East market as its screens and customer base grow. It has already risen from a 15% share to accounting for more than 40% of the Middle East revenue.
Write comment (0 Comments)
- Details
- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Category: Film
"What's the difference between a dream and reality?" That's the question viewers of Saudi film director Mohamed Al Salman's film Raven Song ask themselves. Recently premiering at the second annual Red Sea International Film Festival, Al Salman set the story in a bygone era of Riyadh two decades ago.
Write comment (0 Comments)
- Details
- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Category: Film
As part of an intimate and, at times, emotional conversation during the second annual Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, American actress Sharon Stone candidly shared the story of her sudden and unexpected entry into the world of stardom.
Write comment (0 Comments)
- Details
- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Category: Film
Siphesihle (Siphe) November is a dance prodigy from Zolani, in South Africa's Western Cape. Siphe grew up in the small township located about two hours from Cape Town. At the age of 19, in 2017, he joined The National Ballet of Canada as a member of the Corps de Ballet, after graduating from the National Ballet School, skipping the customary apprenticeship route. Two years later, he was promoted to Second Soloist.
Write comment (0 Comments)About me
Meres J. Weche
Expat and digital maven with a passion for telling stories in words & images. Lived & worked in four continents.
Newsletter
Get my latest stories straight into your inbox!
Everywhere else I create
Meresofarabia.com participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site. These affiliate links, along with advertisements, support us and they come to no expense for you.