Film stars from across Saudi Arabia dazzled on the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the 12th Saudi Film Festival on Friday night in Dhahran. The event, held at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), marks the longest-running celebration of film in the Kingdom since its launch in 2008.
Festival Overview and Theme
The festival, organized by Ithra in partnership with the Cinema Association and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, has become a key showcase for Saudi and Gulf cinema. This year's theme, "Cinema of the Journey," explores journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements. The program includes road movies, travel narratives, and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the plot, offering Saudi filmmakers a perspective on this theme.
Opening Ceremony Highlights
Abdulrahman Alghannam, chairperson of the Cinema Association, welcomed attendees, stating: "It is our pleasure to present to you, with love, a journey through the world of cinema, in our renewed annual tradition. The journey of the Saudi Film Festival began with a story that believed that films have a role that transcends the screen, preserving memories, pausing to reflect, and giving people the opportunity to see themselves and the world around them."
Special Honors and International Spotlight
Each year, the festival honors a Saudi pioneer in cinema. This year, director Haifaa Al-Mansour received the special award recognizing her contributions. Building on previous years' focus on non-Saudi cinema, such as last year's celebration of Japanese film, the 2026 event features a "Spotlight on Korean Cinema," presenting a curated selection of Korean films.
Continuing Events and Awards
The festival continues with daily events, workshops, and screenings at Ithra headquarters until July 2. The closing ceremony will feature the Golden Palm Awards, presented to honorees in multiple categories. For more information and ticket purchases, visit the Ithra website.
