Layan Damanhouri Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Effat University students from the Department of Visual and Digital Production presented a wide array of short films ranging from lighthearted and humorous themes to intense and emotional scenes at the VDP ShowReel Exhibition last week. The boundaries of the campus did not stop the young Saudi women from inventing creative stories and visuals, touching upon different kinds of subjects. The department's student union president Huda Foudah led the organization of the event. She said: “There are a lot of options for the participants in filmmaking. Some are directors, while others focus on photography, digital production, sound or others.” Also a student filmmaker, Foudah explained there is a mix of films incorporating 2D and 3D animation as well as live action. Along with her fellow students, Bashayer Abdulaziz filmed the comical short film “Momkin?” translated as “May I?” Speaking to Saudi Gazette, she explained: “The idea behind the movie is to raise awareness among young people not to follow any self-development workshops unless they make sure who the instructor is. “It's sending a message in a humorous way. We've worked really hard but it's very rewarding once we hear the laughter in the audience in appreciation of the film.” The cast and crew revealed their projects of the year among students, family, friends, media personalities and other renowned guests. Omani director and media personality Khaled Zadjaly was invited to attend the event. He praised the initiative and remarked: “Some of the films seen today deserve to be acknowledged in film festivals. “A college department such as this will contribute to reviving the cinematic movement. We are in need of this kind of specialty in the Gulf. “Knowing that we still import them from abroad, we have a scarcity of movies in the region. This event is a great step. “We need to work together and take part in a great movement in film production.” Saudi actor, theater director and producer Dr. Maisah Sobaihi was another invited speaker. She congratulated the students and said: “I've seen great talent today and I'm sure I'm going to see much more.” Speaking of the future, she shared with the students her feelings: “There's a love in the heart that will never die. “It will continue to come out, especially if it is art”. She also talked about the challenges filmmakers might face after graduation. She reassured them by stating: “The time will come when you will be fully dedicated to production. “It might be a challenge once you graduate but there will always be some sort of service society is calling for. Just take it and the production will come.” Since 2013, the Visual and Digital Production Department opened as the first filmmaking program in Saudi Arabia ever since Effat University signed an agreement with the School of Cinematic Arts of the University of Southern California. In February this year, Nora Alfraikh won the Bronze Palm award at the Saudi Film Festival for her movie. Other students will participate in the upcoming Abu Dhabi Student Film Festival with their film “Tita P!” The cast and crew revealed their projects of the year at the Effat Hall among students, family, friends, media personalities and other renowned guests.
