The Saudi Film Festival is set to return to Dhahran from April 23 to 29, showcasing a programme of films that explore movement, transformation and the personal or physical journeys that shape stories.
Organised by the Cinema Association in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, the festival will bring together regional and international filmmakers for its latest edition at Ithra.
This year’s festival theme, “Cinema of the Journey,” highlights films where the narrative is driven by travel or personal transformation. The programme includes a curated selection of Arab and international short and feature films, including road movies and travel-centred stories.
According to organisers, the theme encourages Saudi filmmakers to interpret the idea of journeys in their own unique ways, presenting cinema itself as a space where identity, place and time intersect to reflect the human experience.
Building on its commitment to global cinema, the festival will dedicate a special segment to Korean filmmaking, following last year’s focus on Japanese cinema. The initiative is intended to promote cultural exchange and introduce audiences and filmmakers to diverse approaches to storytelling.
Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the festival, said that the event remains creator-focused, aiming to foster inspiration and collaboration. He described it as an open platform that encourages dialogue, idea sharing and learning while celebrating creativity across cinematic disciplines.
Tariq Al-Khawaji, the festival’s deputy director, emphasised that the ongoing partnership between Ithra and the Cinema Association has been key to expanding the festival’s scope and thematic variety. He noted that the collaboration strengthens support for filmmakers and deepens engagement with international cinema. As the festival grows, expectations at both local and regional levels have increased, making careful planning essential.
Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has become a vital platform for nurturing Saudi and Gulf cinema. Initially held intermittently, it has developed into an annual event featuring narrative and documentary competitions, industry initiatives and project markets.
