From November 28 to December 7, the second "Saudi Film Nights" in China screening will be held in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu. This event is organized by the Saudi Film Commission, with Ori Group serving as the Chinese executor. Following the success and acclaim of its inaugural edition last year, the event returns to China, continuing to inject new vitality into film industry cooperation and cultural exchange between China and Saudi Arabia.

Launch in Guangzhou: Emotions Conveyed Through Cinema
On the afternoon of November 28, the "Saudi Film Nights" in China screening officially commenced at the Guangzhou Zhuying Lunima Cinema.

The screening opens with Hobal, directed by Abdulaziz Alshlahei. The film, which won the "AlUla Audience Award (Saudi Film)" at its premiere during the 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival, is the fastest-growing independent film in Saudi box office history. The story revolves around an isolated Bedouin family confined to the desert by their grandfather’s strict prohibition. As a contagious disease that once claimed family members looms again, the family faces a dilemma: adhere to ancestral teachings and await "salvation" or break the ban and seek medical help in the city? Through its desolate setting, oppressive atmosphere, and characters’ inner struggles, the film delves deeply into the conflicts between confinement and freedom, survival and obedience, presenting a fable-like work rich in profound humanistic reflection.

Wang Lu, Deputy General Manager of Ori Group, stated, "Cultural exchanges between Saudi Arabia and China are rapidly developing, with film becoming a vital bridge. The 'Saudi Film Nights' event showcases the charm of Saudi culture and opens doors for film cooperation between the two countries. In the future, we look forward to more outstanding Saudi films reaching China and Chinese films making their way to Saudi Arabia."

Three-City Tour: Exchange and Mutual Appreciation
This edition of "Saudi Film Nights" features four distinct Saudi films making their debut in China: Hobal, My Driver and I, Slave, and Esaaf. Spanning realistic, heartwarming, fantasy, and comedic genres, these films comprehensively present the narrative depth and genre diversity of Saudi cinema, offering Chinese audiences an immersive viewing experience.

Guangzhou (November 28–30): Launches at the Guangzhou Zhuying Lunima Cinema. Hobal premieres as the opening film on November 28–29. On November 30, following the screening of the heartwarming film My Driver and I, director Adel Kamel will engage in discussions with local filmmakers and audiences.

Shenzhen (December 2–4): Continues at the CINESKY Cinema in Yifang World. Director Adel Kamel with My Driver and I and producer Talal Al-Alani with Esaaf will guide audiences into the creative world of Saudi cinema. Through screenings and live exchanges, audiences will immerse themselves in the diverse appeal of Saudi film and television culture, complemented by post-screening interactions and industry dialogues.

Chengdu (December 6–7): Concludes at the Chengdu Pacific Cineplex. The focus will be on Slave, with the film’s creators participating in post-screening discussions to share stories and inspirations behind the production, bringing the three-city tour to a culturally resonant conclusion.

Deepening Cooperation, Painting a Shared Vision
As a leader deeply engaged in China-Arab cultural exchanges, Ori Group has accumulated extensive resources and a robust partner network in the Arab market since entering in 2013, providing solid support for the implementation of cross-cultural activities.

In 2024, Ori Group successfully executed the first edition "Saudi Film Nights" in China screening, building a positive reputation for the event and laying a solid foundation for this year’s activities. Coinciding with the "2025 Saudi-China Culture Year," this edition highlights the growing partnership between the two countries and emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange through film and art.

Through this event, Ori Group aims to further strengthen cooperation and exchanges between the Chinese and Saudi film industries, promoting deeper collaboration in areas such as content creation, talent cultivation, and copyright trade.