Saudi Film Festival 2026: The 12th edition celebrates “Cinema of the Journey”
The Cinema Association, in strategic partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) and with the support of the Film Commission, announced the details of the twelfth edition of the Saudi Film Festival , scheduled to be held from April 23 to 29, 2026. The festival is preparing to welcome filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts at the Ithra Center in Dhahran, to continue its pioneering journey in enriching the local and regional cinematic scene.
"Journey Cinema": A New Concept in Storytelling
The festival organizers have selected "Travel Cinema" as the central theme for its upcoming edition. This theme aims to explore the dimensions of travel and migration, not only in its geographical sense, but also as an essential element in the dramatic and narrative construction of films. "Road films" and works that address individual and group journeys will be highlighted, providing a platform for Saudi and Arab filmmakers to present visual and intellectual treatments that explore the transformations of characters across time and space, and the intersection of identity with the experience of continuous movement.
South Korea is the festival's guest of honor
In its ongoing pursuit of fostering cultural exchange with leading global cinematic experiences, the festival has dedicated this edition to the "Spotlight on Korean Cinema" program. This selection builds upon the successes of previous editions, which featured Indian and Japanese cinema. The Korean cinematic experience serves as an inspiring model for filmmakers, having cultivated a strong local identity that has made its mark on the global stage and garnered major international awards. This provides a valuable opportunity for Saudi talent to learn about the storytelling and production techniques of this renowned cinematic tradition.
A long history and a leading role since 2008
It is impossible to talk about the cinematic movement in the Kingdom without going back to the roots established by the Saudi Film Festival since its first launch in 2008. Over the course of 11 previous editions, the festival was the first incubator for Saudi talents at a time when cinemas were absent, as it provided a platform for screening hundreds of films and workshops.
The event is gaining increasing importance today as a key driver of the Gulf film industry, bringing together under its umbrella narrative and documentary film competitions, a production market, and a project competition, thus contributing directly to achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals related to quality of life and the development of the cultural sector.
Strategic partnerships to boost the industry
Commenting on the preparations, Ahmed Al Mulla , founder and director of the festival, affirmed that the upcoming edition will be a "cinematic celebration" bringing together creative minds in an inspiring atmosphere, emphasizing that filmmakers are the true stars of this event. For his part, Tariq Al Khawaji , deputy director of the festival, noted that the ongoing partnership with Ithra and the Film Society has resulted in a qualitative leap in the festival's programs, enabling it to grow steadily and open global platforms for local content.
It is worth mentioning that the festival continues to receive submissions and logistical and technical preparations to ensure the provision of an exceptional experience befitting the status of the rising Saudi cinema, with a focus on knowledge aspects through translated books, seminars, and specialized training workshops.
