By Rafeek Ravuther
The Cinema Association and the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) have announced the details of the 11th Saudi Film Festival, set to take place from April 17 to 23 with the support of the Film Commission. The announcement, made at Ithra, drew significant media attention, reflecting the growing prestige of the festival in the region.
Organisers revealed that this year’s edition will feature seven Saudi and Gulf feature films, 22 short films, and 12 parallel Saudi films. In addition, the festival will host four seminars, four training programmes, and three book-signing sessions for the Saudi Cinema Encyclopedia. The event will also include a production market with 22 projects and participation from 22 screening entities, further cementing its role as a key industry hub for filmmakers.
During a Ramadan ghabga at Ithra, Saudi Film Festival President Ahmed Al-Mulla highlighted the festival’s commitment to fostering cinematic talent and providing a vital platform for filmmakers to share their work. “Many programmes and films that are considered a treasure and a cinematic legacy will await those interested in cinema,” Al-Mulla said, adding that Gulf cinema will have a strong presence this year, with approximately 72 films set to be screened.
An Expanding Cinematic Platform
Vice President Mansour Al-Badran outlined the festival’s alignment with the broader cinematic landscape, emphasising how film creativity serves as a window for storytelling and vision. He noted that the upcoming edition will see significant developments, particularly in the expansion of the production market and increased screening opportunities across Ithra’s facilities, including the Ithra Library and Plaza.
A key feature of this year’s event is the introduction of a membership programme, designed to provide participants with ongoing access to festival activities. Al-Badran stressed the festival’s efforts to offer a diverse selection of films, many of which will premiere at the event.
The 11th edition has already attracted impressive participation figures. Organisers confirmed that 285 films have been submitted to the film competition, 116 entries have been received for the production market, and 313 scripts have been registered in the unproduced scenario category.
Cinema of Identity and Japanese Film Focus
A central theme of this year’s festival is “Cinema of Identity,” which aims to explore Arab and international feature and short films that reflect cultural, national, and individual identities. The theme will be explored through film screenings, cultural and educational symposiums, and discussions on the challenges and transformations affecting identity in cinema.
In a new addition to the festival’s programming, Japanese cinema will be featured prominently. The event will include screenings of Japanese films, guest appearances by Japanese film experts, and two seminars dedicated to Japanese cinema, offering audiences and industry professionals a deeper insight into the country’s cinematic landscape.
The festival will also highlight its film development lab, where specialised workshops will be conducted for winning scenarios, alongside advisory sessions aimed at supporting script development. The production market, housed in Ithra’s Great Hall, will facilitate networking and collaboration between filmmakers and industry entities through agreements, cultural seminars, and discussion sessions.
Engaging the Industry and Audience
The festival’s organisers wrapped up the announcement with an open discussion, inviting feedback and suggestions from media professionals. The interactive session underscored the festival’s dedication to fostering a thriving film culture in Saudi Arabia.
Ithra has played a pivotal role as a partner of the Saudi Film Festival for the past three years, contributing to its steady growth in audience numbers and industry engagement. As a leading cultural institution, Ithra has helped bring Saudi films to international festivals, further positioning the kingdom as an emerging force in global cinema.
With an ambitious lineup and a renewed commitment to nurturing film talent, the 11th Saudi Film Festival promises to be a landmark event, showcasing the best of regional and international cinema while providing a platform for emerging filmmakers to bring their stories to life.
