The 12th Saudi Film Festival, initially scheduled for April 23-29, has been rescheduled to June 25 to July 1. The festival will once again be hosted at the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran, thanks to the collaboration between the Cinema Association and the support of the Saudi Film Commission.
This year’s festival embraces the theme “Cinema of the Journey,” showcasing a thoughtfully curated collection of short and feature-length films by Arab and international filmmakers that foreground journeys and movement as central elements of storytelling.
Continuing its tradition of celebrating global cinema, the festival will also feature a special segment titled “Spotlight on Korean Cinema.”
Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, emphasised the festival’s aim to foster an environment rich in inspiration, idea exchange, and collaborative learning. “It’s a celebration of cinematic creativity for everyone,” he noted.
Tariq Al-Khawaji, Deputy Director of the festival, expressed pride in the long-standing partnership with the Cinema Association, which has contributed to the festival’s continuous growth and diverse themes each year. This partnership enhances opportunities for filmmakers and allows for greater engagement with global cinema.
Since its inception in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a pivotal role in promoting Saudi and Gulf cinema, making it the Kingdom’s longest-running film festival. After a few intervals, it has evolved into an annual celebration.
Attendees can look forward to narrative and documentary film competitions, professional development initiatives, a production market, project competitions, and numerous film screenings at Ithra. The festival will also host red-carpet events featuring appearances by filmmakers and stars, creating a vibrant atmosphere for talent discovery and networking.
