My take on permitting cinema theatres in Saudi Arabia

Photo by Anette Nantell (DN)

"It's not about reforms, but rather an act of politics," says Hana Al-Khamri, who grew up in Saudi Arabia, where she also worked as a journalist but currently living in Stockholm.

The news was presented by the Culture and Information Minister Awwad bin Saleh Alawwad, who called it a historic breakthrough and received applause from Saudi filmmakers. "A beautiful day", wrote the country's first female director, Haifaa Al-Mansour, on Twitter.

- The Ministry Culture and Information will review all films and check that they are in line with Sharia and this will not only allow government control over cultural sphere but it also limits freedom of expression" said Hana Al-Khamri.


During her upbringing, she saw the same films as [....]ٍِ
youngsters around the world do - but on pirated DVDs or on satellite TV channels. Since then, most people have also had access to the internet and Youtube. Thus, "I see the effect of the decision to be quite limited" she considers.

- It will have a minimal impact. It is obviously good that people have access to entertainment channels. But unfortunately this channel will be a state-controlled, and it only spread the state's views. She also sees the decision as a way for the country's crown prince, Mohammad bin Salman, to consolidate his power. Not least among young people, who make up a large part of the population.

- The support of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in the royal house has begun to diminish after capturing his own cousins and striving to consolidate his grip on power. "He needs young people's support because there are individuals within the royal family who wish to get rid of him" She clarifies. 


The Kingdoms banned public screenings and other types of public entertainment to appease conservative clerics after a siege of the Muslim holy city of Mecca in 1979. The ultra-orthodox rebels accused the Saudi rulers of having allowed the westoxification of the Saudi society during the 1970's oil boom.

- Cinema premises is often associated with sexuality - it is dark and women and men can mix and immoral things can take place- therefore they will most likely have a section for families - including women and children - and one for men. Al-Khamri explains and continues "Of course, it would be good if the cinemas will not be segregated, to challenge constructed social and gender norms, but unfortunately, I'm, almost completely certain that it will be segregated, " says Hana Al-Khamri.


The interview with me was made by  National New Agency in Sweden - TT News Agency