The Saudi Film Festival has announced that its 12th edition will take place from April 23 to 29, 2026, at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran. Organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with Ithra and with the support of the Film Commission, the festival reaffirms its position as the Kingdom’s premier film event, celebrating local talent and providing a platform for global cultural exchange.
Background and development of the festival
The Saudi Film Festival, which first launched in 2008, continues its pioneering journey as one of the most important platforms supporting the film industry in the Kingdom and the Gulf. For over a decade, the festival has played a pivotal role in nurturing young Saudi talent and showcasing their work to the public, even before the sector's significant boom with the reopening of cinemas in 2018. The festival has evolved into a comprehensive cultural event, combining film screenings, training programs, and a production market, making it a key driver in the burgeoning Saudi film industry.
"Cinema of the Journey": Exploring Identity Through the Road
The twelfth edition of the festival is themed “Cinema of the Journey,” a choice that reflects the profound human experience embodied in movement and travel, whether a physical journey or a psychological one of self-discovery. This theme encompasses road movies that make travel a central narrative element, as well as works that explore concepts of identity, time, and place through the journeys of their characters. This selection aims to encourage Saudi filmmakers to draw inspiration from their individual and collective journeys and present them in innovative cinematic ways.
Spotlight on Korean Cinema
Continuing its role in building bridges of cultural dialogue, the festival will highlight South Korean cinema in its upcoming edition through its “Spotlight on Korean Cinema” program. This selection recognizes the global success of Korean cinema, which has become a model for building a local cinematic identity capable of competing internationally. The program will offer a unique opportunity for Saudi audiences and filmmakers to explore this rich cinematic experience and learn from its pioneers, following the success of previous programs that focused on Indian and Japanese cinema.
Statements and aspirations
Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said: “We are eagerly awaiting the filmmakers, and our preparations are complete for our annual cinematic celebration that brings together film lovers under one roof. We open the festival doors to all creative people, emphasizing that filmmakers are our permanent stars and the focus of this event.”.
For his part, Tariq Al-Khawaji, Deputy Director of the Festival, said: “At Ithra, we are proud of our long-standing partnership with the Film Society, which has been reflected in the development of the festival and the diversity of its themes year after year, which has clearly been demonstrated in empowering filmmakers and opening windows onto global experiences.”.
Importance and expected impact
The festival is a pivotal event within the cultural movement underway in the Kingdom as part of Vision 2030. It is not merely a film screening event, but rather a comprehensive environment for developing the industry through a production market that connects projects with funding and production partners, and training workshops that hone the skills of emerging talent. The upcoming edition is expected to contribute to strengthening the international presence of Saudi cinema, opening new horizons for co-productions, and solidifying the Kingdom's position as a leading regional hub for creative industries.
