The event will include screenings, seminars and much more.
Lights, camera, Saudi. The Saudi Film Festival has unveiled exciting details about its upcoming 11th edition, which will take place from 17 to 24 April 2025. The event has been organised by the Cinema Association and King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran and looks set to be a showstopper.
The Kingdom’s longest-running film festival returns with a remarkable lineup of 68 screenings, including 36 feature films, shorts, and documentaries from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, all presented under this year’s theme, “Cinema of Identity.”
The Saudi Film Festival will feature several film screenings and competitions such as the Film Competition, the Unexecuted Screenplay Competition, and the Production Market Projects Competition. This year, Japanese films will also be screened as part of the festival, spotlighting the best works from the region and promoting dialogue between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Adding to its global perspective, the festival will also showcase 12 short films by Arab and international filmmakers, curated in collaboration with the prestigious Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in France. Accompanied by a cultural symposium, this program will explore the complexities of personal, national, and cultural identities, highlighting their evolution and challenges.
This year, the Festival’s Production Market expands in scale, returning to Ithra’s Great Hall with 22 projects from 22 exhibitors. While production markets have long been a hallmark of major international film festivals, the Saudi Film Festival’s version stands as the only one dedicated exclusively to the Saudi film industry, providing filmmakers with unparalleled opportunities to connect with industry professionals, potential collaborators, and investors to bring their creative visions to life. Additionally, the Festival Museum will feature highlights from the festival’s previous editions. Other activities include pitching ideas and book signings to make the experience more immersive.
During the festival, audiences will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese cinema through screenings of eight feature and short films, complemented by discussions with Japanese filmmakers. Additionally, a dedicated cultural seminar and an advanced masterclass will offer an in-depth exploration of the Japanese cinematic landscape. The festival will also continue its commitment to nurturing emerging talent by hosting script development workshops for both short and feature-length screenplays, featuring advisory sessions with industry experts and professional mentors.
This year’s Saudi Film Festival will also pay tribute to the Kingdom’s legendary actor, Ibrahim Al-Hasawi. His contributions to the local entertainment industry and a plethora of exemplary works, such as the famous Tash Ma Tash that screened on Channel 2, Bayni Wa Baynak, Hajjan, Zero Distance and Hobal, prove that the impact he’s had on Saudi cinema is undeniable.
Tickets to the screenings start at SAR 40, so grab them now and settle into your seat for a week of movie magic.
GO: Visit www.ithra.com for more information.