Saudi Arabia had its share in this year's Venice Film Festival for 1st time

The 69^th Venice Film Festival was marked by the participation of the first-ever film shot in Saudi Arabia and directed by Saudi film director Haifaa Al Mansour. Wadjda tells the story of a girl’s quest to own a bicycle which is forbidden to women in the Islamist state.       

Many other Arab directors attended this Italian artistic event including Palestinians Hiyam Abbas and Hind Bou Jamaa as well as Ibrahim al Battout, the Egyptian director of "Winter of Discontent", premiered at the festival.      

Lebanon had its share in the festival with Lebanese director Nabine Labaki who joined the festival’s Orizzonti Jury.  

Labaki was chosen to join the jury in recognition of the success of her movies “Caramel” and “Where Do We Go Now”?      

In addition to Arab movies, the festival also included films competing for the Golden Lion Award, including a two-hour documentary called "Bad 25" for director Spike Lee who revived King of Pop Michael Jackson through his album “Bad”. The documentary brings the magic of Michael Jackson’s 1987 album "Bad" back to the big screen and includes concerts, music videos and rehearsals for Jackson when he was at the peak of his powers.       


For the full LBCI report, watch the video above.