Saudi plans first official film festival

Films were once shown in private clubs in Saudi Arabia until all public screenings were banned in the early 1980s because they were considered against Islamic law.
But now, ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia will hold its first official film festival in May 20 organised by a literary club based in the eastern city of Dammam and the Saudi Society of Arts and Culture.

The five-day contest will feature Saudi and other Gulf and Arab movies of various genres.

Saudi Arabia, which follows a rigorous doctrine of Islam known as Wahhabism, is the only country to have banned cinema houses in the Muslim conservative Gulf Arab region.

But cafes in main cities show films, sports games and video clips on large television sets.

Saudi filmmakers are getting more support abroad than inside the country. Saudi films have been featured at Gulf festivals but totally ignored at home.