Riyadh: The Film Commission of the Ministry of Culture announced the inclusion of the film "Bas Ya Bahar" (The Cruel Sea), one of the most prominent Gulf cinematic works, in the National Film Archive collection.

According to Saudi Press Agency, this step comes as part of the commission's efforts to preserve cinematic heritage, make these productions accessible to researchers, creators, and future generations, and highlight Arab cinematic works of cultural and historical significance.

Directed by Kuwaiti filmmaker Khalid Al-Siddiq in 1972, "Bas Ya Bahar" is the first full-length Kuwaiti feature film and one of the most important works in the history of Gulf cinema. The film sheds light on the lives and hardships of pearl divers in their search for pearls before the discovery of oil, portraying the challenges faced by Gulf communities during that era.