Saudi Documentary 'Horizon' Secures Top Prize At Hermes Creative Awards 2024

The Saudi documentary film "Horizon" has been honoured with the Platinum Hermes International Creative Award for 2024, marking a significant achievement in the Strategic Campaigns Category. This accolade places "Horizon" at the forefront of international recognition, distinguishing it among numerous high-calibre global submissions. The documentary is a product of the collaborative efforts between the Konoz Initiative—under the Government Communication Center of the Ministry of Media—and the National Centre for Wildlife (NCW).

With a focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's vast biodiversity, "Horizon" brings to light the existence of over 10,000 species within the region. These species, including the dugong (sea cow), dolphins, the Arabian leopard, various gazelle species, and oryx, are showcased in their natural habitats, demonstrating their unique adaptations to the environment. The production of this documentary was no small feat; it required over 200 days of filming by a dedicated crew of 50 individuals who travelled more than 4,700 km across 28 different locations. This extensive project also involved the expertise of 13 Saudi wildlife specialists.

The Konoz Initiative, instrumental in producing "Horizon," is part of the broader Human Capability Development Program. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 realization programs, aiming to document and showcase the Kingdom's natural treasures through a transformative approach to film production. Previous works by Konoz include titles such as "A Difficult Stage," "Nawras Al-Arab (Arabian Gull)," "Ala Hadden Sawa (Alike)," "What Do Saudis Eat," and "Saudi Atlas."

"Horizon" serves a dual purpose: it is both an artistic endeavour and an educational tool designed to increase global awareness of Saudi Arabia's environmental diversity and conservation efforts. By highlighting the Kingdom's rich landscapes and biodiversity, the film supports Vision 2030's environmental protection goals. These goals are further reinforced by stringent regulations under NCW supervision to safeguard wildlife.

The Hermes Creative Awards, where "Horizon" received its prestigious recognition, have been a cornerstone in the international creative community for over 27 years. With more than 325,000 entries from 135 countries since its inception, these awards celebrate excellence in marketing, creativity, communication, and advertising annually. The success of "Horizon" at such a distinguished platform underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to environmental conservation and its burgeoning influence in international media and creative industries.

This achievement not only highlights the Kingdom's rich biodiversity but also showcases its efforts towards environmental conservation as part of Vision 2030. The recognition by the Hermes Creative Awards underscores the global impact and excellence of Saudi Arabia's creative and media initiatives.

With inputs from SPA