RIYADH: Saudi films will be screened at two of Australia’s premier venues, the Sydney Opera House and the five-star Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, this month as part of a partnership aimed at fostering collaboration between the film industries in both countries. The “Saudi Film Night” screenings from June 26-28 have been organized by the Kingdom’s Film Commission and Australian production company Blacksand Pictures, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Two separate screenings each will comprise two films: “Hajjan” by director Abu Bakr Shawky, screened alongside the short film “Me & Aydarous” by director Sara Balghonaim, and the comedy-drama “Alhamour H.A.” by director Abdulelah Alqurashi, shown with animated stop-motion short “Saleeg” from director Afnan Bawyan. According to SPA, each screening will be followed by a question-and-answer session with visiting Saudi film representatives. Local film industry professionals will attend both events. The screenings reflect the commission’s commitment to promoting the Kingdom’s film culture and highlighting Saudi films on an international stage. “We are also fostering collaboration between international film communities, including the Australian film industry, to exchange expertise and knowledge,” said Saudi Film Commission CEO Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Qahtani. Two of Australias leading film producers, Alan Finney and Jane Jeffes, selected the Saudi offerings, said Kauthar Abdulalim, founder of Blacksand Pictures. The event reflects the Saudi Film Commission’s dedication to fostering global partnerships and leveraging cultural exchange as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, SPA said.