Golden Pen Award Launched By GEA Chairman To Boost Arabic Literature And Cinema

Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), launched the website for the "Golden Pen Award for Most Influential Literature" on Sunday in Riyadh. This award is the GEA's first initiative to turn literary works into films. During his speech, Alalshikh expressed joy over Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan's sponsorship of the award.

Alalshikh highlighted that the website would be a comprehensive repository for Arabic novels, screenplays, and related content. This aligns with large-scale productions happening across the Arab world, especially in Saudi Arabia. He also mentioned that the Golden Pen Forum would be a special gathering place for writers with free membership and specific criteria for selecting members.

Dr. Saad Al-Bazei, Chairman of the Golden Pen Award, announced the main phases during a press conference at the launch event. The submission period for literary works will open on {DATE_X} and continue until {DATE_Y}. The longlist will be revealed on {DATE_Z}, followed by the shortlist on {DATE_A}. Winners will be announced at a major ceremony in February 2025.

The award categories include major awards for novels and screenplays, best-translated novel, best Arab publisher, and public choice award. The total prize value is $740,000. For major awards and screenplays, first place will receive $100,000 and a film production; second place gets $50,000 and a film production; third place earns $30,000.

The novel categories feature eight awards worth $25,000 each: Best Thriller Novel, Best Mystery and Crime Novel, Best Romance Novel, Best Fantasy Novel, Best Comedy Novel, Best Historical Novel, Best Horror Novel, and Best Realistic Novel. Dr. Al-Bazei emphasized that these categories aim to cover various genres to enrich Arabic literature.

The Best Translated Novel will receive a $100,000 prize. The Best Arab Publisher will be awarded $50,000. The Public Choice Award is valued at $30,000. Voting for this award will open on the website later. Dr. Al-Bazei encouraged all Arab writers to participate in this unique opportunity to enhance Arabic content with high-value works.

Alalshikh noted that this initiative aims to support writers across the Arab world by providing them with a platform to showcase their work. He added that this effort aligns with Saudi Arabia's vision to promote cultural activities and support local talent in various fields.

The Golden Pen Forum is expected to become a vibrant focal point throughout the year in the Arab world. It will offer writers opportunities to network and collaborate on new projects while adhering to specific selection criteria for membership.

This initiative marks a significant step towards transforming literary works into cinematic productions in Saudi Arabia and beyond. By offering substantial prizes and recognition, it aims to motivate writers to produce high-quality content that can reach wider audiences through film adaptations.

With inputs from SPA