The countdown is on—Saudi Arabia’s highly-anticipated cinematic event is making its grand return. The 11th edition of the Saudi Film Festival is set to take over the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran from April 17 to 23, bringing a packed schedule of screenings, panels, and industry networking. This year’s event cements the country’s rising status in global cinema, creating a space where creativity, culture, and industry ambitions collide.
The Saudi Film Festival is essentially a platform for filmmakers—both seasoned and emerging—to share their stories, refine their craft, and engage with industry leaders. Festival Director Ahmed Al-Mulla emphasized this mission, stating that the event highlights “successful production experiences in the film industry, allowing professionals and enthusiasts to engage and learn from these journeys.”
This year’s theme, “Cinema of Identity,” feels especially relevant as Saudi Arabia continues to carve out its cinematic voice. The films selected for the festival explore how storytelling not only reflects but also shapes individual, national, and cultural identities. Audiences can expect narratives that go beyond the ordinary, challenge perceptions, and challenge the landscape of Saudi and Gulf cinema.
With 68 films on the lineup, the festival brings together stories from the Middle East. The program includes seven Saudi and Gulf feature films, 22 short fiction films, and seven documentaries, alongside 12 parallel screenings dedicated to Saudi productions.
One of the standout moments this year is the festival’s tribute to Ibrahim Al-Hasawi, a veteran Saudi actor with over three decades of experience in theater, television, and film. Known for his work in Tash Ma Tash, Bayni Wa Baynak, and recent films like Hajjan and Hobal, Al-Hasawi has been a defining presence in regional entertainment.
Beyond the screenings, the festival offers an extensive lineup of industry events designed to support and develop local and regional filmmaking talent. Attendees will have access to four-panel discussions, four advanced masterclasses, and three book-signing sessions for the Saudi Cinema Encyclopedia.
For those seeking deeper industry connections, the festival’s Meet the Expert sessions provide one-on-one mentorship opportunities, while the production market will host 22 booths from production entities, giving filmmakers a chance to pitch projects and network with key players. For the first time, screenings will also take place at the Energy Exhibit, expanding beyond Ithra’s two cinema halls to accommodate a larger audience.
This year’s festival also puts an international spotlight on Japanese cinema, celebrating 70 years of Saudi-Japan relations. A curated selection of eight Japanese films will be screened, alongside expert discussions and a collaboration with the Short Shorts Film Festival from Japan.
For those attending in person, new pass options allow visitors to tailor their experience, with tickets available through the Ithra website. Parts of the festival will also be streamed online, ensuring that audiences around the world can engage with Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry.
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