The event will include screenings, seminars and much more.
Lights, camera, Saudi. The Saudi Film Festival has unveiled exciting details about its upcoming 12th edition, taking place from 23 to 29 April 2026. 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 multiple screenings, including feature films, shorts, and documentaries from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, all presented under this year’s theme, “The Journey”.
The Saudi Film Festival will feature several screenings and competitions, including the Film Competition, the Unexecuted Screenplay Competition, Masterclasses, and the Production Market Projects Competition.
Additionally, the Festival Museum will feature highlights from previous editions of the festival. Other activities include pitching ideas and book signings to make the experience more immersive.
Adding to its global perspective, the festival will also feature several short films by Arab and international filmmakers. Moreover, it will also highlight how the film landscape in Saudi Arabia has changed over the years.
Last year, Japanese films were screened as part of the festival, spotlighting the best works from the region and promoting dialogue between Japan and Saudi Arabia. And this year, Korean films will be part of the festival.
During the festival, audiences will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Korean cinema through screenings of multiple films, complemented by discussions with Korean filmmakers. Additionally, a dedicated cultural seminar and an advanced masterclass will offer an in-depth exploration of the Korean 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.
Last year, the Festival’s Production Market expanded 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. And this year, it’s coming back to the festival.
Tickets to the screenings start at SAR 75, so grab them now and settle into your seat for a week of movie magic.
Where: King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
When: 23 to 29 April 2026
Contact: Visit www.ithra.com for more information.