Calling all writers: Saudi officials have this week announced the launch of a new literary competition centered around Arabic fiction writing. Dubbed the Golden Pen Award, the new contest will accept entries from all nationalities and backgrounds in several categories, providing their work is original and in Arabic.
With a total cash prize mounting up to $690,000, according to what has been revealed so far, first and second place winners of the grand prize will respectively be awarded $100,000 and $50,000, with their works being adapted into films by the General Entertainment Authority in following months. The third place winner will on his side receive $30,000.
قريبا سيتم اطلاق “جائزة القلم الذهبي للرواية” والتي تركز على الاعمال الروائية الاكثر شعبية والاكثر قابلية للتحويل لاعمال سينمائية بمجموع جوائز ٦٩٠ الف دولار و ستكون مقسمة كالاتي:
*الجوائز الكبرى:*
١- المركز الاول: ١٠٠ الف دولار و تحويل العمل لفيلم سينمائي من انتاج هيئة الترفيه…— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) July 20, 2024
“[I am] very excited about this big step that benefits Arab novelists and the film industry in the region,” Turki Al Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, said on X.
In other sections of the tournament, in the Novel Tracks Awards for instance, the best novel writers in genres ranging from romance, thriller, and mystery to comedy, action, fantasy, and more will be handed $25,000. In the Best Screenplay Adapted from a Literary Work category, the first-place winner will receive $100,000, the second $50,000, and third $30,000. The winner of Best Translated Novel Award will be awarded $100,000, while the Audience Award, decided by voters online, will receive $30,000.
According to circulating news, the deciding jury will be composed of three novelists, three screenwriters, and three producers from the Arab world, plus an additional committee for the first round of screenings. Winners will be announced at a major awards ceremony broadcasted both on TV and on the internet.
