The Saudi Film Festival is returning for its 11th edition in April, under the theme “Cinema of Identity.” This edition aims to explore how films shape individual, national, and cultural identities.
From April 17-23, 2025, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) will host the annual Saudi Film Festival, organized by the Cinema Association and supported by the Film Commission of the Ministry of Culture.
Saudi Film Festival Agenda
The 11th edition of the Saudi Film Festival will feature the screening of 68 films from Saudi Arabia, the Gulf region and the Arab World. The festival will premiere 12 films, in addition to 36 Saudi and 12 Gulf screenings.
Furthermore, it will include 131 accompanying programs and events. These include 4 panel discussions, 4 masterclasses by local and international industry experts, and 3 book-signing sessions for the Saudi Cinema Encyclopedia.
The festival will also feature 22 projects from 22 exhibitors, allowing filmmakers to showcase their productions and connect with other industry stakeholders.
Moreover, the 11th edition of the Saudi Film Festival will involve 5 competitions and a 15-member jury. This edition will also feature collaboration with the prestigious Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in France and the Short Shorts Festival in Japan.
Honorary Tribute
In its 11th edition, the Saudi Film Festival will honor the achievements of Ibrahim Al-Hasawi, a renowned Saudi actor with over three decades of contributions to theater, television, and cinema. His distinguished career in the entertainment industry includes works such as the TV series “Tash Ma Tash” and “Bayni Wa Baynak,” as well as films such as Ithra’s “Hajjan,” “Zero Distance,” and the recent “Hobal.”
Running since 2008, the Saudi Film Festival is one of the oldest film festivals in Saudi Arabia, providing a platform for local filmmakers to display their work and network with key industry partners.
