On September 4th, the Shaikh Ebrahim Center in Bahrain hosted an elegant evening in honour of Saleh Nass, the acclaimed Bahraini film director recently selected for the prestigious residency program at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. The event, organized by the French embassy, was a tribute to Nass’s remarkable contributions to cinema and a celebration of France’s ongoing support for Bahraini arts and culture.
A distinguished French committee recognized Saleh Nass for his exceptional talent, captivated by his unique storytelling. As he prepares for his residency in Paris, the French embassy showcased his work with an exclusive screening of four of his notable films: Game (2012), developed under the mentorship of the late Abbas Kiarostami; Pickup (2015); Central Market (2015); and Sherbet (2024). Each film exemplifies Nass’s innovative approach and has garnered significant attention on the international film circuit.
His films have been featured in over fifty prestigious film festivals globally, including the Tampere Film Festival in Finland, the Slamdance Film Festival in the USA, the Montreal World Film Festival in Canada, and TIFF Kids in Toronto. These accolades underscore Nass’s growing influence in the world of cinema and his ability to resonate with diverse audiences.
The special night at the Shaikh Ebrahim Center not only highlighted Nass’s cinematic achievements but also reinforced the strong cultural ties between Bahrain and France. It provided an opportunity for luxury enthusiasts and art connoisseurs to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Bahraini filmmaking and appreciate the collaborative spirit between nations in the world of arts.
As Saleh Nass embarks on this next chapter in Paris, the event serves as a poignant reminder of his exceptional talent and the vibrant cultural exchange that continues to enrich the global arts landscape.