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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Baraa Anwer

Saudi Arabia banned film for 35 years. The Red Sea festival is just one sign of the industry's rise

Red Sea Film Festival - (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

“My Driver and I” was supposed to be made in 2016, but was scuttled amid Saudi Arabia's decades-long cinema ban. Eight years later, the landscape for film in the kingdom looks much different — and the star of “My Driver and I” now has an award.

Roula Dakheelallah was named the winner of the Chopard Emerging Saudi Talent award at the Red Sea International Film Festival on Thursday. The award — and the glitzy festival itself — is a sign of Saudi Arabia's commitment to shaping a new film industry.

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