Riyadh hosts International Film Festival with India

Riyadh: The Embassy of India in Riyadh is Co-hosting the 10th edition of the Ambassador's Choice-International Film Festival from November 24–December 16, 2022, along with 13 other Embassies. They include Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Cuba, France, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Norway, the Philippines, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and the United States of America.

The festival was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, HE Meshal Al Saleh, Director of Asia region, Ministry of Culture, along with Charge d' Affaires MR Sajeev and Ambassadors/ representatives of the participating Embassies. The dignitaries unveiled the official poster of the film festival of the year.

During his address, the Charge d' Affaires, MR Sajeev, thanked the Embassies and Saudi authorities for their collaboration. He also added that Indian cinema produces more than 2000 films annually. For a number of years, the Indian film industry has ranked first in the world in terms of annual film production.

Referring to Saudi cinema, the Charge d' Affaires mentioned that, though it is a nascent industry, it has already made a strong presence on the global stage. It has produced many brilliant stories in recent years. The inauguration of this festival was attended by Ambassadors, Diplomats, Saudi nationals, journalists, members of the Indian community, and expatriates of other nationalities. The festival will screen 14 movies of diverse genres, which include many acclaimed and renowned movies such as Shams Al-Ma'arif, Bareilly Ki Barfi, Frida, Un Cuento Chino, The Sapphires (2012), Habanastation, You'll Die at Twenty, Hope, Délicieux, Bar Boys Hasina, A Daughter's Tale, CODA, HELIOPOLIS, The Newspaper.

The festival comes as part of the commemoration of 75 years of India's independence (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav), which also coincides with the completion of 75 years of India-Saudi diplomatic relations.