The president of the Golden Globes organization, Helen Hoehne, recently spoke at the second edition of the Saudi Film Confex in Riyadh where she expressed the organization’s desire to include judges from Saudi Arabia in the future. Hoehne stated that they currently do not have any voters from Saudi Arabia, but she is hopeful that they will expand their reach and become even more global. The Golden Globes organization already includes judges from Turkey, the UAE, and Qatar, and Hoehne aims to add talented international journalists who report on entertainment media from Saudi Arabia to the lineup of judges.
The selection process for voters involves applicants undergoing a vetting process by the Membership Board of Directors, which includes esteemed members such as Shivani Pandya Malhotra, the Managing Director of the Red Sea International Film Festival. As of now, the organization has over 330 voters from 85 countries, with plans for further expansion. Hoehne emphasized the diversity within the voting body, with 60% coming from different cultures and speaking multiple languages. She expressed her desire to see the organization become even more inclusive in the future.
Hoehne also expressed her excitement for the future of Saudi cinema, describing it as one of the most promising and exciting industries due to its newness and potential for growth. She mentioned her enthusiasm for the films she has seen and the filmmakers she will meet in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Film Confex aims to bring together local and international industry experts to discuss ways to advance and strengthen the country’s film industry in alignment with its cultural vision of increasing social and cultural diversification.
The event featured notable international speakers such as Sébastien Raybaud, founder of the UK-based production and financing company Anton, French filmmaker Luc Jacquet, and Jim Gianopulos, former CEO and chairman at 20th Century Fox. US actor and producer Will Smith also delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation in the global film industry. The presence of such esteemed speakers at the Saudi Film Confex reflects the growing interest and support for the development of the country’s film industry on a global scale.
With the Golden Globes organization looking to include judges from Saudi Arabia in the future, the recognition and participation of Saudi filmmakers and industry professionals in prestigious international events like the Golden Globes could potentially elevate the profile of the country’s film industry. This could lead to greater opportunities for collaboration, networking, and exposure on the global stage, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of the Saudi cinema industry. The alignment of events like the Saudi Film Confex with the country’s cultural vision further solidifies the commitment to nurturing and promoting a vibrant and diverse film industry in Saudi Arabia.
