Ali Al Sumayin

Saudi Filmmaker

Ali Alsumayin is a Saudi award-winning film and commercial director. He started working for a Saudi local advertising agency and then worked at a television station as a broadcast designer and director. Currently, he is a full-time independent director. His film “I can’t kiss myself” was screened in more than 10 cities around the world and has won three awards, including best cinematography, best main actor, and best short film. Alsumayin has also written and directed a number of Saudi drama series episodes.

Discussion and Screening: New Currents in Saudi Cinema

Saudi filmmakers Meshal Al Jaser and Ali Al Sumayin joined Kristin Smith Diwan to talk about and screen their work, and discuss how social media and other new technologies are influencing the future of film and media production in the Gulf.