International correspondent
What is the first film to be shown in cinemas in Saudi Arabia? – BBC News
Saudi film industry pioneer Faisal Baltyuor opens Riyadh’s first arthouse cinema, marking a milestone in the kingdom’s cinematic trend since Saudi Arabia lifted its 35-year ban on cinemas in late 2017.
The luxurious, state-of-the-art, 80-seat venue, called Cinehouse, is set to open in the Saudi capital later this month. The symbolic opening film will be a 1975 documentary titled “Development of Riyadh City” by Saudi director Abdullah Al-Muheisen. Before Saudi Arabia’s religion-related ban on cinema went into effect, Al-Muheisen was instrumental in laying the foundation for the country’s embryonic film industry. His extensive body of work delved into social and humanitarian issues.
After the documentary “Development of Riyadh City” a composite program with local and international films will follow in Cinehouse.
