First Saudi cinema opens with popcorn, applause
The lights dimmed and the crowd of men and women erupted into applause as Hollywood blockbuster
premiered in Saudi Arabia’s first movie theater.
Though it was a private, invitation-only screening on Wednesday evening, for many Saudis, it marked one of the clearest moments of change after 35 years of a ban on cinema theaters.
It’s seen as part of a new era in which women will soon be allowed to drive and people in the kingdom will be able to go to concerts and fashion shows, and tuck into a bucket of popcorn in a cinema.
“It’s a new era, a new age. It’s that simple. Things are changing, progress is happening. We’re opening up and we’re catching up with everything that’s happening in the world,” said Rahaf Alhendi, who attended the showing.
Authorities said the public would be able to purchase tickets online on Thursday for showings starting on Friday.
As part of Saudi Arabia’s social and economic reform program under Vision 2030, spearheaded by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Ministry of Culture and Information announced a landmark decision in December to allow commercial cinemas to operate in the kingdom from early 2018.
Samer Alsourani traveled from Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province for the event. He commended the crown prince for following through on his promises to modernize the country.
“This is the first time that we really see something that’s really being materialized,” he said.
Dr Awwad Alawwad, Minister of Culture and Information, said: “The return of cinema to Saudi Arabia marks an important moment in the kingdom’s modern-day history and cultural life, as well as in the development of the kingdom’s entertainment industry.”
The Saudi government projects that the opening of movie theaters will contribute more than $24 billion to the economy and create more than 30,000 jobs by 2030.
According to the latest plans, the country will open about 350 cinemas and 2,500 screens by 2030.