SHARON STONE EXPLORES FILM, ART AND HERITAGE IN ALULA, SAUDI ARABIA
Oscar-nominated Hollywood actress and artist lauds AlUla’s commitment to preserving its rich culture and traditions Praises Saudi Arabia's support for women and their role in the revival of traditional art forms
AlUla, Saudi Arabia – 13 December 2023: Hollywood actress, artist and activist Sharon Stone (Casino, Total Recall, Basic Instinct), recently visited and explored the historic landscape of AlUla in northwest Saudi Arabia.
During her visit, Stone visited Madrasat Addeera - a learning hub for traditional crafts - to dive deeper into AlUla’s creative and cultural life. At Madrasat Addeera, a girls' school in the AlJadidah Arts District, Stone interacted with local artisans specializing in palm weaving, pottery, leather making, ceramics, and embroidery. Stone was visibly moved by the skill and dedication of the women, even sharing a heartfelt embrace with local artisan Fayza.
Following her visit, Stone said: “Being in AlUla, I find myself in one of the most fascinating and beautiful places I have ever been, and Saudi Arabia the fastest growing and most rapidly emerging country. I was in Saudi last year and can see the significant growth and change even in that time, but this is my first time in AlUla.
“All the things we are told, the negatives, and controversial constructs about the region are untrue. There's an emerging wave of rights for women, and I have been welcomed so warmly. Their kindness is truly humbling."
She praised the initiatives in AlUla aimed at conserving and protecting traditional crafts, acknowledging the progress and commitment made toward revitalizing AlUla into a dynamic cultural center: “What makes AlUla fascinating is how they take natural materials like stone, marble, and leather, and skillfully craft them into sophisticated, modern designs - it’s a modern city with ancient roots.”
Stone also joined the community in their creative space, using the opportunity to paint a locally inspired artwork. She expressed her admiration for the usage of natural materials derived from local plants in the marking of traditional crafts.
"I am very, very moved by the fact that these dyes are all made from local plants. As an artist, I am inspired by the subtlety of colors here, and it's extraordinary that such vibrant hues can be created from things that come out of the ground. During my visit to this school, I had the opportunity to express my creativity through watercolors, and it was a deeply enriching experience," she said.
In addition to immersing herself in AlUla’s culture and community, Stone also glimpsed the county’s film ambitions for the future as she toured its new state-of-the-art production facility. Stone was given early access to the 30,000 square foot soundstage, backlot, production support buildings, workshops, warehouses, recording studio, training and rehearsal space, cafeteria, event space and the iconic administration building. She also took in AlUla’s varied and cinematic landscape, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra.
“AlUla is almost like being on Mars, so unusual due to its extraordinary geological history. It is unlike anything you have ever seen, a fantastic setting for beautiful Westerns and films like Dune and Star Wars. I hope filmmakers come and explore AlUla to witness its potential for filmmaking, a beautiful possibility waiting to be captured,” she said.
During her visit, Stone visited Madrasat Addeera - a learning hub for traditional crafts - to dive deeper into AlUla’s creative and cultural life. At Madrasat Addeera, a girls' school in the AlJadidah Arts District, Stone interacted with local artisans specializing in palm weaving, pottery, leather making, ceramics, and embroidery. Stone was visibly moved by the skill and dedication of the women, even sharing a heartfelt embrace with local artisan Fayza.
Following her visit, Stone said: “Being in AlUla, I find myself in one of the most fascinating and beautiful places I have ever been, and Saudi Arabia the fastest growing and most rapidly emerging country. I was in Saudi last year and can see the significant growth and change even in that time, but this is my first time in AlUla.
“All the things we are told, the negatives, and controversial constructs about the region are untrue. There's an emerging wave of rights for women, and I have been welcomed so warmly. Their kindness is truly humbling."
She praised the initiatives in AlUla aimed at conserving and protecting traditional crafts, acknowledging the progress and commitment made toward revitalizing AlUla into a dynamic cultural center: “What makes AlUla fascinating is how they take natural materials like stone, marble, and leather, and skillfully craft them into sophisticated, modern designs - it’s a modern city with ancient roots.”
Stone also joined the community in their creative space, using the opportunity to paint a locally inspired artwork. She expressed her admiration for the usage of natural materials derived from local plants in the marking of traditional crafts.
"I am very, very moved by the fact that these dyes are all made from local plants. As an artist, I am inspired by the subtlety of colors here, and it's extraordinary that such vibrant hues can be created from things that come out of the ground. During my visit to this school, I had the opportunity to express my creativity through watercolors, and it was a deeply enriching experience," she said.
In addition to immersing herself in AlUla’s culture and community, Stone also glimpsed the county’s film ambitions for the future as she toured its new state-of-the-art production facility. Stone was given early access to the 30,000 square foot soundstage, backlot, production support buildings, workshops, warehouses, recording studio, training and rehearsal space, cafeteria, event space and the iconic administration building. She also took in AlUla’s varied and cinematic landscape, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra.
“AlUla is almost like being on Mars, so unusual due to its extraordinary geological history. It is unlike anything you have ever seen, a fantastic setting for beautiful Westerns and films like Dune and Star Wars. I hope filmmakers come and explore AlUla to witness its potential for filmmaking, a beautiful possibility waiting to be captured,” she said.