Feature: How Did the Saudi People Keep Film Alive Despite All Restrictions?

Library > Community Presentations

Presenter: Maya Assaf

Delivered: Beirut on February 11, 2018

In this afikra feature, Maya Assaf explores the history of Saudi cinema, how the filmmakers and the consumers of film dealt with the ban of cinema for 30 years, and how despite those restrictions it was able to not only stay alive, but also grow.

Sources & Future References

• Cinema of Yemen and Saudi Arabia: Narrative Strategies, Cultural Challenges, Contemporary Features

• In a World With No Movie Theaters - Los Angeles Times

• Why is Cinema a Red Line Issue in Saudi Arabia? | CNN

• The Rise, Fall and Rebirth of Saudi Cinema | Arab News

• Saudi Filmmakers Build Audiences Without Cinemas | Arab News

• Saudi Film Days - AramcoWorld

• Secret Cinema Gently Subverts Saudi Arabia's Puritanism | The Guardian

• Internet Usage and User Preferences in Saudi Arabia - ScienceDirect

Note: All community presentations are prepared & presented by non-experts on the subject. They are sharing information in the hopes of spurring interest in that subject.

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About Afikra Community Presentations

Delivered and prepared by afikra Community members, the presentation’s goal is to showcase the presenter’s curiosity and research, and share some knowledge on a ‎topic related to the Arab world’s histories and cultures. The presentation is the ‎culmination of the afikra coaching process to help identify a topic, find research, and develop the ‎presentation. afikra presentations come in two forms, a long question-driven afikra Feature, and a short afikra FWD with the purpose of sharing something interesting.