Gulf Cinemagoers Find Refuge In Saudi Arabia As Banned Films Draw Them In

In a remarkable turnaround, moviegoers from Gulf countries are now traveling to Saudi Arabia to watch films that have been banned in their home countries. Just a few years ago, Saudis had to venture to nearby nations to experience cinema due to the lack of theaters at home. The shift is attributed to the rise of cinemas in Saudi Arabia and more lenient censorship on Hollywood releases.

Cinema Struggles of the Past

Documentary “Cinema 500km” highlighted Saudi film enthusiasts’ trips to neighboring countries for cinema.

In 2006, Saudi filmmaker Abdullah Al Eyaf documented the challenges Saudis faced to watch movies. He followed a Riyadh resident on a 500km journey to Bahrain to catch a film due to the lack of cinemas at home. Bahrain and other countries became popular destinations for Saudis seeking cinematic experiences.

Changing Tide and Burgeoning Industry

Saudi Arabia lifts a 35-year cinema ban, fostering a growing cinema sector.

The cinema landscape in Saudi Arabia shifted dramatically when the 35-year ban on cinemas was lifted in late 2017. The country experienced rapid growth in its cinema industry and witnessed a surge in box office revenue. Multiplexes emerged across the nation, offering Saudis the opportunity to enjoy films on the big screen without having to travel abroad.

Role Reversal and Barbie Controversy

Kuwait bans Barbie film, leading to cross-border cinema travel.

In a unique twist, neighboring countries now find themselves sending moviegoers to Saudi Arabia due to stricter cinema restrictions at home. Warner Bros.’ film “Barbie,” banned in Kuwait for its content, exemplifies this trend. The chairman of Kuwait’s film censorship committee deemed the film to carry ideas conflicting with societal values, leading to its prohibition. Saudi Arabia, in contrast, screened the film widely.

Innovative Border-Crossing Measures

Kuwaiti blogger offers guidance on watching banned films in Saudi Arabia.

In response to Kuwait’s ban on “Barbie,” a Kuwaiti blogger provided information on social media to fellow residents interested in crossing the border to Saudi Arabia to watch the film. The blog post detailed the nearest cinemas in Saudi cities showing the movie and highlighted the ease of crossing the border for Kuwaiti residents.

A Glimpse of Progress

Barbie’s contrasting fate showcases Saudi Arabia’s cinematic evolution.

The contrasting reception of “Barbie” in the Gulf region underscores Saudi Arabia’s remarkable advancement in the film industry. A country that lacked public cinemas and a substantial film industry prior to 2018 has swiftly transformed into a destination for moviegoers from neighboring countries. This change exemplifies the power of cultural shifts and evolving entertainment landscapes.

Continuation of a Journey

Director of “Cinema 500km” now heads the Saudi Film Commission.

Abdullah Al Eyaf, the director of “Cinema 500km,” now holds a prominent role as the head of the Saudi Film Commission. His journey from documenting the challenges of Saudi film enthusiasts to overseeing the nation’s burgeoning film industry reflects the transformative journey of Saudi Arabian cinema.

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