Following the success of New Saudi Voices–a series celebrating the budding film industry of Saudi Arabia–Netflix casts the spotlight on the Kingdom once again with the announcement of the second season of the show. This collection of 13 short films highlights the creative talents of Saudi filmmakers, featuring an array of genres, ranging from feel-good movies to drama, fantasy, and romance. Each film within the series narrates a unique storyline while capturing the rich cultural nuances within the Saudi community.
This season’s collection includes films carefully curated from among those featured at the prestigious Red Sea International Film Festival. Among them, When Red Blooms by Tala Alharbi and The Child in His Closet by Khaled Zeidan emerged as winners in the festival’s 48-hour Filmmaking Challenge, proving their storytelling prowess. VHS Tape Replaced by Maha Saati and Yallah, Yallah Beenah by Mohammed Hammad also received support from the festival’s Red Sea Fund, further emphasizing the festival’s role in nurturing Saudi filmmaking talent.
The series boasts the creative genius of award-winning writer Faisal Buhaishi, whose heartwarming film Last Chance to Fall in Love tells the touching story of an elderly man reuniting with his first love after 50 years. Exploring themes of personal growth and the enduring connections to one’s past, fictional dramas like Old Phone Number by Ali Saeed and Zabarjad by Hussain Almutliq offer poignant insights into the human experience.
Venturing into the realm of fantasy, A Swing by Raneem and Dana Almohandes takes viewers on a spellbinding journey with a 10-year-old girl as she embarks on a quest through the woods to find a magical swing her father once told her about. Nora Abu Shusha explores the unspoken struggles of married life with Lucky You’re Mine, while Mohammed Baqer‘s Tea Leaf artfully expresses the pain and regret that often accompanies failed relationships.
For those seeking drama, Requiem for Silence by Majed Z. Samman, Forward by Fahad Alotaibi, and Othman by Khaled Zeidan deliver compelling storylines that alter the trajectories of their respective characters’ lives.
New Saudi Voices 2 is not merely a collection of films; it is a celebration of Saudi creativity, talent, and storytelling. By showcasing these unique voices, Netflix continues to play a pivotal role in supporting and promoting the flourishing film industry in Saudi Arabia. With each film offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of Saudi culture, audiences around the world have the opportunity to connect with the artistic minds behind these stories. As Saudi filmmakers continue to make their mark on the global stage, New Saudi Voices 2 transcends borders and brings the world closer to the rich culture of the Kingdom.
The New Saudi Voices 2 films will be available on Netflix on October 6, 2023.
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