Will Smith on breaking language barriers in global cinema
Reflecting on his thirty-year career at the pinnacle of the global box office, Will Smith has uncovered a vital strategy for international success: the art of non-verbal storytelling. Will Smith, the iconic actor and producer, recently shared his insights at the Saudi Film Confex, underscoring the importance of a universal language in cinema that transcends dialogue and subtitles.
The power of non-verbal storytelling
“As soon as people have to read a subtitle or translate, there’s a bit of disconnect,” remarked Smith. “Generally, if you can find non-dialogue ways to convey an emotional beat, they translate more globally. In terms of action, comedy, and the delivery of emotion, I’m always looking for the non-dialogue way to deliver the most critical parts.”
Smith’s perspective resonates strongly with filmmakers aiming to capture international audiences. His approach is not just a testament to Hollywood’s influence but also a roadmap for emerging markets like Saudi Arabia, where the film industry is experiencing momentous growth.
Saudi Arabia’s cinematic renaissance
After years of absence from the global film scene, Saudi Arabia is swiftly making up for lost time. The local production, distribution, and exhibition sectors are witnessing rapid expansion, highlighted prominently at the Saudi Film Confex, held from October 9 to 12. This second edition of the conference featured over 30 panel discussions, 15 workshops, and an extensive exhibition covering various aspects of the film value chain.
Embracing new opportunities
A strong focus at this year’s Confex was on utilizing AI workflows and popular animation, with successful manga adaptations spotlighting a promising Saudi-Japanese partnership. Filmmakers like Abu Bakr Shawky, whose adventure film Hajjan premiered in Toronto, exemplify this trend, leveraging local success for international releases.
Homegrown hits like Mandoob and the action satire Shabab Albomb, adapted from the cult TV series Firecrackers Youth, have further fortified the domestic industry’s reputation. The outcome? Record-breaking attendance at the Saudi Film Confex, exceeding 70,000 participants, and 25 agreements signed, amounting to $60 million.
Will Smith’s global perspective
Smith’s shrewd understanding of global outreach stems from his unique perspective as a movie star often paralleled to a diplomat or ambassador. “As a movie star, you’re cultivating a specific global relationship,” he explained. “You’re taking the audience into consideration and delivering on your relationship with a more holistic view of the business.”
Smith’s childhood fascination with Bruce Lee as an introduction to Chinese culture exemplifies how cinema can transcend cultural boundaries. He illustrated, “Bruce Lee was all I knew of China when I was 10 years old. Bruce Lee introduced me to Chinese culture, and I wanted to be like him. The question is, who is willing to do the same? Who is going to step up and carry their culture to the world?”
Striking a balance between authenticity and accessibility
Charismatic idols alone aren’t enough to pave the international path. Local filmmakers must highlight universal themes and forms, striking a delicate balance between authenticity and accessibility. This idea echoed throughout the Confex panels, with a particular emphasis on cinema’s role in soft diplomacy.
Rather than competing with Hollywood, many Saudi filmmakers seek to offer a counter-narrative to the often negative portrayals of the Arab world. Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud, former head of Saudi Intelligence and onetime ambassador, praised cinema’s potential for positive cultural diplomacy at a panel attended by Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, the kingdom’s inaugural minister of culture.
An unprecedented opportunity
The success of Born a King, a Spanish-U.K. co-production shooting in the Kingdom in 2017, showcased the potential for large-scale international features. Less than a decade later, Saudi Arabia now possesses the resources and infrastructure to develop, finance, produce, and distribute such films internally.
“You are at an unprecedented point,” Smith encouraged. “The world is waiting to see what you do and hear what you say. Take it seriously. You have the resources, support, and history. Now’s the time to deliver.”
The future looks promising for Saudi Arabia’s film industry as it continues its journey of growth and international recognition. For more updates on the latest in cinema, share this article on social media and stay tuned to our platform for further insights and news.