A lot of elements like the closing film and In Conversation line-up were announced late in the day.
SHIVANI PANDYA:We feel every year is a challenge.
Our first edition came together against the backdrop of the Covid pandemic.
Shivani PandyaGetty Images
We were waiting for the strike to be over.
That didnt stop us from getting a really good selection.
Weve got a nice diversity with films from 77 countries.
It also helps that were an international festival with a focus on Middle East, Asia and Africa.
It is a caveat of this funding that the films must be made available for the festival?
PANDYA:Not at all.
You cant do that because it depends on the timing of the release and everything.
We tell them wed love to have the film and thats about it.
Did you get the impression people from outside the region were worried about travelling to Saudi Arabia this year?
Were there any dropouts?
PANDYA:Not really, youve seen all the people that have come out.
We have a lot of Hollywood people.
Theres a strong line-up of people.
The juries are great.
I think over the last two years, people have come to know the festival.
They are intrigued and really want to support the filmmakers.
What the Red Seas take on the conflict?
PANDYA:The Arab world is important to us and thats what weve been supporting with Asia and Africa.
Were very clear that we are a cultural event.
Our objectives are to push filmmakers and support the industry.
Weve got very clear objectives in terms of what were trying to do and what were trying to achieve.
We want to continue to help filmmakers to share their stories.
Thats also a big part of it creating a cultural bridge in the world.
DEADLINE:There was never any question of the festival stopping?
We also spoke to filmmakers.
PANDYA:Weve got a large number of Saudi films this year.
We also have Saudi two films in competition [NorahandMandoob] and other titles dotted about the selection.
DEADLINE:How do think the festival has developed since its first edition since 2021.
Are you pleased with what youve achieved?
The industry in Saudi is also growing and evolving.
Youre getting new studios, new announcements and deals being done.
For the festival, its also grown in terms of interest levels.
DEADLINE:The Ritz Carlton is the main hub of the festival for the second year running.
Will it be ready for next year?
PANDYA:Its under construction.
We actually went and took a look at it last week.
The hope is that it will be ready for next year.
DEADLINE:How big is it?
Is it as big as the Palais des Festivals in Cannes.
PANDYA: No, sadly not.
Its a cultural centre with auditoriums, theatres and spaces for the industry to mix.
The idea is to do things the across the year as well as during the festival.
DEADLINE:So will everything be based at the new HQ once its up and running?
PANDYA:Thats a very good question.
Its something well be figuring out.
