Netflix’s Second Volume Of ‘New Saudi Voices’ Collection To Release Shortly

Bringing an array of diverse storytellers together, Netflix’s second volume of its “New Saudi Voices” film collection will be released on Friday.

It spotlights Saudi Arabia’s filmmaking industry, depicting various facets of Saudi life and showcasing talents from Riyadh and Jeddah.

The collection comprises 14 short films that featured at the Red Sea International Film Festival, including the 48-hour Filmmaking Challenge winners.

Film Festival Celebrating Emerging Saudi Talents

The Red Sea International Film Festival mainly focuses on new storytelling trends as well as emerging talents from the Kingdom, the Arab world and the rest of the Global South.

Launched in 2019 and held in Jeddah, the festival looks at establishing a solid foundation for the film industry in Saudi Arabia that may contribute to diversifying the income of the country.

It’s organised and operated by the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation, a non-profit cultural organisation registered in Saudi Arabia.

‘New Saudi Voices’ To Showcase Kingdom’s Filmmaking Industry

Netflix’s newest collection of Saudi short films includes “Last Chance to Fall in Love” by Faisal Buhaishi. It follows the story of an old man reuniting with his first love after 50 years.

Movies from the fantasy genre include “A Swing” by Raneem and Dana Almohandes, which follows a 10-year-old’s journey to find a magical swing her father used to tell her about.

While “Tea Leaf” by Mohammed Baqer looks at the pain that come with failed relationships, “Lucky You’re Mine” by Nora Abu Shusha reveals the unspoken challenges of married life.

The Underrated Films “Transcend Borders”

Meanwhile, the collection also includes “Old Phone Number” by Ali Saeed and “Zabarjad” by Hussain Almutliq, which explore the themes of character growth while clinging to one’s past.

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“The second volume … is a testament to the creative prowess of the emerging filmmakers,” said Nuha El-Tayeb, Netflix’s content director for Turkey, the Middle East and Africa.

The films “transcend borders”, she noted, adding: “We believe great stories can come from anywhere and be loved by anyone.”