Silence in Cinema: A Study of the Manifestations and Meanings of Silence in Ten Saudi Films

Silence is a mental state and an expressive capacity with psychological, cultural, ideological, and political significance. It is an essential element in the structure of films — despite the dominance of language in cinema — as it forms part of their vitality and composition. At the same time, it reflects the director’s vision and perspective in presenting an idea.

A silent film is not simply one devoid of spoken language; it is a film that renders the moment of silence itself meaningful and worthy of expression — a sound of contemplation, an ear for listening, and a question of being. From this perspective, this book seeks to explore the phenomenon of silence across ten Saudi films produced between the early years of Saudi cinema in 2006 and the phase of its maturity and expansion.

This study represents an in-depth reading and effort to trace and interpret the meanings of silence in Saudi films, drawing on semiotics and discourse analysis. Silence, as shown here, is not an absence of sound but a fullness of meaning.

The book demonstrates that silence in Saudi cinema is not a void or a pause but an active movement filled with tensions, emotions, attractions, and relationships. Every instance of silence in these films carries awareness and intent — a confrontation, a conflict, or a revelation.

Thus, this analytical reading offers viewers a renewed perspective, encouraging them to approach films as engaged and attentive participants. It transforms viewing into an act of discovery — making interpretation a shared experience, and understanding far more rewarding than mere observation.