British filmmaker Ridley Scott's classic film 'Blade Runner' (1982) will also be screened during the event.
Saudi Film Commission has announced that it will be organising a Film Criticism Forum in Tabuk on September 7, centred around the theme of “Technology and the Film Viewing Experience.” The event, which will provide insights into the evolving cinematic landscape, will be held at the University of Tabuk, as reported by Arab News.
The commission has extended an invitation via social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), inviting enthusiasts to “Discover the expansive cinematic universe within the realm of audiovisual technologies at the upcoming #FilmCriticismForum in Tabuk. Join us: https://engage.moc.gov.sa/film-criticism-forum-tabuk.”
The one-day programme will kick off with a workshop titled “Introduction to the World of VFX,” led by the international film producer, Chadi Abo. With more than 22 years of extensive experience spanning Hollywood movies, Arabic productions, and international co-productions, Abo will offer attendees a comprehensive overview of the VFX production profession.
Following the workshop, the event will feature a series of talks and a panel discussion. One of the informative talks, titled “Wind, Water, Sand, and Fire: Atmospheric CGI from Film to Virtual Reality,” will be presented by Nehal El-Hadi. During this session, El-Hadi will delve into the evolution of atmospheric CGI, tracing its journey from traditional film to the world of virtual reality.
In the subsequent session, Rania Gaafar will take the audience on an exploration of visual futurisms and the enduring significance of images in the digital age. Her session, titled “Speculative Forms: Visual Futurisms and the Life of Images,” promises to shed light on the evolving landscape of visual storytelling.
A panel discussion, titled “Bridging Perspectives,” will bring together El-Hadi and Gaafar, offering a platform for them to explore the overlapping aspects of their respective topics.
Moreover, the event will host an interactive artist’s conversation featuring Ahaad Alamoudi and Effat Abdullah Fadag, who will share insights and draw from their extensive experiences in the realm of CGI artistry.
The programme also includes a screening of the classic film Blade Runner (1982), directed by British filmmaker Ridley Scott. Following the screening, Abdullah Alokiby and Aziz Mohammed will lead a panel discussion, providing critical analysis and commentary on this iconic cinematic masterpiece.
This comprehensive programme promises an exploration of the CGI world, spanning from atmospheric effects in films to futuristic visual elements. It also offers a deep dive into classic films, accompanied by insightful commentary from experienced film enthusiasts.
The event serves as a tribute to the world of cinema, paying homage to both the films and visionary filmmakers. It also celebrates the transformative technologies that have shaped the film industry, from traditional 35mm to immersive virtual reality, defining the ever-evolving cinematic landscape.
