Saudi Film Festival Is “Money Laundering” By Authorities, Critics Say | Saudi Arabia

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Saudi Arabia has opened its first international film festival amid accusations the government is using culture to whitewash its poor human rights record, just days after a similar controversy overshadowed its first time by organizing a Formula 1 race.

The Red Sea Festival has attracted international stars including Hilary Swank, Clive Owen and Vincent Cassel. Saudi Arabia presented it as a moment of change for a country that only lifted the ban on cinemas four years ago, a position taken by some of those walking the red carpet.

But the gala has for months been the target of boycott calls from critics who warn that show business glamor is being deployed by Saudi authorities to distract international attention from rights abuses in the country and beyond. of the.

Under Crown Prince and de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi officials crushed political dissent in their country and pursued criticism beyond the country’s borders, most notoriously murdering journalist Jamal Khashoggi in a consulate in Turkey.

The prince has also been widely condemned for leading Saudi Arabia’s intervention in Yemen’s brutal civil war, which is currently going through one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

“A film festival without free speech quickly sinks into propaganda,” said Madawi Al-Rasheed, LSE professor and leading critic of the Saudi government. “Sport and art will never replace real reform including civil and political rights. International films serve as the cover for a grim scenario of detentions, beheadings and murders by a regime that desperately seeks to break its isolation after committing crimes in Yemen and against its own citizens. “

When the festival was announced earlier this year, Oscar-nominated director Sami Khan was among the voices calling for artists to stay away, protesting Saudi Arabia’s disturbing human rights record. .

“The international film community should not allow themselves to be bought and used by Saudi Arabia to whitewash horrific atrocities,” he said in a public statement. He said he expected to suffer financial implications and damage to his public reputation, but cited others who had also condemned the festival.

“I’m probably going to pay the price… but I’m increasingly disturbed by how repressive governments are using the global film industry to whitewash their reputations. “

Mohammed al-Turki and Catherine Deneuve at the festival. Photograph: Tim P Whitby / Getty Images for the Red Sea International Film Festival

Other critics include Orwa Nyrabia, a Syrian filmmaker and artistic director of the Amsterdam International Documentary Film Festival, who spoke out against the festival in 2019, when the plans were first unveiled before the coronavirus pandemic. .

Human Rights Watch called on celebrities planning appearances in Saudi Arabia related to the Formula 1 race held earlier this month to use their platforms to raise human rights concerns, or to stay in touch. the gap.

“At first glance, the festivities are meant to show the participants in the race having an incredible time. But a look under the hood makes it clear that the intention of the Saudi government is to use these celebrities to whitewash its appalling human rights record, ”the campaign group said.

“Saudi Arabia has a habit of using celebrities and major international events to distract from its pervasive abuses. “

Khashoggi’s fiancee had also made an open appeal to Canadian singer Justin Bieber to cancel a performance there, warning that his fame would be “used to restore the reputation of a regime that kills its detractors.” He went ahead with the December 5th performance.

Ahead of the race, F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton said he was uncomfortable competing in Saudi Arabia given its “terrifying” laws regarding the LGBTQ + community. He once again called on Formula 1 to do more to address human rights issues in the countries it visits.

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