The Saudi animation film Prostrate and Draw Near (Wa Isjod Wa Iqtareb), has achieved a remarkable milestone at Venice International Film Festival 2024, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.
Prostrate and Draw Near
The 31-award-winning film made debut at the renowned festival on Friday, receiving positive response from critics. Prostrate and Draw Near is the first Saudi animation film to take part in Venice International Film Festival.
The film, directed and produced by Thuraya Al-Shehri, in cooperation with her daughter, the artist Nabila Abu Al-Jadayel, has received several awards. These include the Venice Animation Award in the film market program at the Venice Production Bridge, and the “Animation That Matters” Award in Animaze Animation Day 2024 in the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.
Unique Inspiration
Prostrate and Draw Near was inspired by a painting carrying the same name, by Abu Al-Jadayel in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. It portrays an exceptional spiritual moment at the empty courtyards of the Grand Mosque in Makkah during the Covid-19 lockdown, as part of the precautionary measures implemented by the Saudi government at the time.
The painting has gained regional and global recognition, so has the animation film. Owing to its unique and unusual idea, it has drawn the attention of foreign viewers who are not familiar with this kind of stories.
Venice Film Festival
The Venice International Film Festival, one of the world’s oldest and most significant film festivals, is taking place from August 28 to September 7, 2024 in Venice, Italy. It is part of the Venice Biennale, and recognized by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF).
The Saudi Film Commission is participating in the 81st edition of the Venice International Film Festival. It aims to establish the Kingdom’s status as a global hub for film industry, strengthen international relations, in addition to highlighting Saudi cultural and cinematic richness.
