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Belal Albader's GUM set to compete in Saudi Film Festival’s Official Competition
15 April 2025
GUM, a deeply emotional and transformative film by Saudi director Belal Albader that recently premiered at the Red Sea Film Festival, is now set to compete in the Official Competition of the Saudi Film Festival from April 17th to the 23rd.
Exploring love, self-discovery, and the human condition, GUM follows the story of Saad, a child with Down Syndrome who falls in love for the first time in his life. He begins to discover new feelings he didn't know existed, and because of them, he starts making decisions he’s not ready to make.
Director Belal Albader explains, “I was certain I didn’t want a traditional film filled with direct messages mimicking the needs of individuals with Down Syndrome. It was important that the film avoid falling into pity or exaggerated ideals. Finding the balance between the protagonist’s challenges and moments of joy and triumph was one of the hardest parts of telling the story. I know the film won’t change the world, but it may open a small window in the minds and hearts of those who watch it. Maybe it will make someone rethink their perspective on Down Syndrome.”
Written and directed by Belal Albader, the film stars Azzam Alkharaan, Ahmad Al-Turki, and Alanoud Abdullah. It features cinematography by Rita Hajjar, acting coaching by Sherwan Haji, and is produced by Ahmad Naboulsi and Belal Albader, with Fouad Mohammad overseeing the production line. The film’s international sales are handled by MAD World, while MAD Distribution is in charge of its MENA-wide distribution.
Belal Albader is a Saudi director who began his career in 2009 and pursued higher studies in cinematography and film direction in Los Angeles. After returning to Saudi Arabia in 2017, he worked on various cinematic and television projects, earning numerous local and international awards. In 2019, he founded Rec Entertainment with the goal of raising the quality of local content to international standards. Albader holds a Master’s degree in Cinematic Directing from the New York Film Academy.
Exploring love, self-discovery, and the human condition, GUM follows the story of Saad, a child with Down Syndrome who falls in love for the first time in his life. He begins to discover new feelings he didn't know existed, and because of them, he starts making decisions he’s not ready to make.
Director Belal Albader explains, “I was certain I didn’t want a traditional film filled with direct messages mimicking the needs of individuals with Down Syndrome. It was important that the film avoid falling into pity or exaggerated ideals. Finding the balance between the protagonist’s challenges and moments of joy and triumph was one of the hardest parts of telling the story. I know the film won’t change the world, but it may open a small window in the minds and hearts of those who watch it. Maybe it will make someone rethink their perspective on Down Syndrome.”
Written and directed by Belal Albader, the film stars Azzam Alkharaan, Ahmad Al-Turki, and Alanoud Abdullah. It features cinematography by Rita Hajjar, acting coaching by Sherwan Haji, and is produced by Ahmad Naboulsi and Belal Albader, with Fouad Mohammad overseeing the production line. The film’s international sales are handled by MAD World, while MAD Distribution is in charge of its MENA-wide distribution.
Belal Albader is a Saudi director who began his career in 2009 and pursued higher studies in cinematography and film direction in Los Angeles. After returning to Saudi Arabia in 2017, he worked on various cinematic and television projects, earning numerous local and international awards. In 2019, he founded Rec Entertainment with the goal of raising the quality of local content to international standards. Albader holds a Master’s degree in Cinematic Directing from the New York Film Academy.
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