As print newspapers are beginning to decline in many parts of the world, journalism could face an opportunity for a transformation, according to Spanish writer Jordi Costa who recently held a talk and workshops on cultural journalism in the digital era. Cultural journalism, comprising of arts and film critiques, has not been immune to the digital revolution. In the past, film critics personified an arrogant and elitist voice; today it is no longer the case. Film critiquing has transformed into a pluralistic community of multiple voices on different platforms. "Film criticism is no longer an article in a newspaper column," says Costa who writes as a film critic in El País as well as the monthly magazine Fotogramas and runs the programming of Cinemania channel. "It is diverse through different mediums and forms. They can be expressed through blogs, visual essays, and graphic columns by artists and illustrators." "Cultural journalism must be a playful thing," he addressed an audience of Saudi media personalities and filmmakers taking part in the Saudi National Creative Initiative (SNCI) series. "Critics have to have passion, curiosity, and an analytical drive." Global ‘cinephilia' have a new playground to interact while still maintaining the professionalism of film critique and the artistic value of cinema in their own opinion. "Critics must try new forms to not just entertain but also not to be stuck in their comfort zones. They must constantly challenge themselves in their profession," says Costa who has 35 years of experience in the field. With the profession becoming more dynamic, the traditional critic no longer exists. It is not necessary to have an academic background in filmmaking, but one must have a cultivated knowledge of theatre, literature, performance, computer graphics, and film. Costa further expressed the need to explore international films, saying being open-minded and avoiding prejudice is important to encourage global diversity in cultural media. When asked about the role of journalists today, he said they "orient the reader but do not impose information. Readers can now interact and be part of the conversation," he added. The dangers threatening journalism vary from infotainment, sensationalism, using promotional language, and loss of analytical rigor, to corporate pressure. The digital revolution not only changed the nature of the image, but it changed spectators as well who don't need to go to a theatre to watch a movie but can watch it anywhere on smartphones or tablets. The Kingdom still bans public cinemas but more and more Saudi filmmakers are on the rise and circulating their talented works online and in film festivals. Costa is among dozens of international invited speakers with specialties in various creative fields hosting workshops in the Saudi National Creative Initiative that runs till the end of month.
