Forty years ago, seniors told us, there were several movie theaters scattered in key cities here in Saudi Arabia. Several classical movies were shown to people in multi-purpose halls that were not solely restricted to movie displays. Although the TV was the most popular entertainment outlet at that time, movie shows kept attracting more and more fans. The vast increase in the Arabic film industry during the 50s and 60s of the past century had formed a good supply to these privately-owned theatres to run new movies, something that was getting impossible on TV since the latter began imposing restrictions on materials being broadcast. Although there was no official decision banning movie theaters from operating, movie theaters gradually but completely disappeared from Saudi Arabia. The disappearance of movie theaters coincided with the rise of an Islamic extremist trend that had had a negative stance toward all forms of theatrical performances and literary activities. Showing female actresses had always been a key concern for those who opposed it. By the end of 1970s, movie theatres were nonexistent. But during the past few years, there have been several requests and calls from social activists and newspaper columnists to reopen movie theatres for public. These calls had been confronted with huge rejections from conservatives who believed that the resumption of theatrical shows would pose a grave threat to the Muslim community and its core values. To measure the public reaction to the idea of having cinemas in the Kingdom, Al Arabiya.net ran a web-based poll on October 2005 which showed a sharp difference between those who supported the idea and those who opposed it. For those who supported the idea, it was a great cultural event which would jumpstart the modernization process needed in the new globalized world. On the opposite, those who were against believed it was a door for evil-intentioned people to spread anti-Islamic ideologies. Although there are no movie theaters in the Kingdom, people can watch movies at home. There are numerous video stores scattered across the country where everyone can purchase any newly released blockbuster. Several newspapers have got separate sections for movie culture, new releases, best movies and the like. Several websites are fully dedicated to movies where members can talk about latest releases, actors, and film industry news. Things have dramatically changed. The whole country is changing and the progressive culture of the young generation is driving the wheel of change so assiduously toward much more cultural openness and diversity. Several private satellite TV stations are broadcasting Western movies, programs and soap operas. Interest in movie culture has seen youth flocking to neighboring countries to watch a newly-released movie. This increasing interest in movies has driven more filmmaking companies to produce local films starred by Saudi actors. In 2006, Cinema 500 km, the first Saudi documentary film, was shot and shown to cinema fans outside the Kingdom. The film plot tells the story of a Saudi teenage boy who applies for a passport to travel to Bahrain in order to get into a movie theatre and enjoy watching a film there for the first time in his life. Although it had been financed and produced by Saudi actors, it was not possible to be released here. The film was not a big production, but it was a step to convince hesitant officials to allow movie theaters to work again. Last Tuesday, there was a big movie event in Saudi Arabia. Jeddah hosted the movie, Monahi, after years of an unofficial ban prohibiting theaters from operating. A large number of movie fans filled up the King AbdulAziz Cultural Centre in Jeddah where the film was shown. Financed and produced by Rotana Stodios, an entertainment company, the film is starred by one of the most popular TV actors whose fame spread as a comedian in a TV series that was aired last Ramadan. In a statement made during the ceremonial opening of the show, Rotana Studios general director told reporters that this is just the beginning. Other movie projects, he added, would follow suit not only in Jeddah but also in Taif and Dammam. The resumption of movie theaters with much publicity that accompanied it should not be separated from the reformist steps being taken to foster cultural openness and diversity. This is evident in other cultural and social activities too. The two Eids, Al-Junadriyah festival and the National Day are some examples. Universities and cultural clubs have also started to play a key role in reviving a much broad and diverse culture through hosting big cultural events, book fairs, theatrical shows and several political, social and economic panels. No one doubts the fact that cultural diversity is no threat to one's inherited culture and tradition. Contrary to that, cultural openness boosts mutual understanding and values of coexistence: both are needed in today's global village where geographical barriers are coming down day after day. __
