The 12th Saudi Film Festival is taking place at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran from June 26 to July 2, 2026, bringing together filmmakers, producers, students, and cinema enthusiasts for one of the Kingdom’s most important cultural events. Organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with Ithra and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, the festival continues its long standing mission of developing Saudi cinema while strengthening connections with the global film industry.
This year’s edition is built around the theme “Cinema of the Journey.” The theme explores the idea of journeys in all their forms, from physical travel and migration to emotional transformation and personal discovery. It also reflects the filmmaking process itself, where an idea evolves into a finished work that connects with audiences. Through this concept, the festival encourages filmmakers to tell stories that examine identity, change, and the human experience.
A major highlight of the 2026 edition is the Spotlight on Korean Cinema, which introduces Saudi audiences to a curated selection of South Korean films while encouraging greater collaboration between filmmakers from both countries. The international focus follows growing cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and South Korea and supports knowledge exchange through screenings, discussions, and industry activities.
Visitors can enjoy more than 25 screenings featuring Saudi, Gulf, Arab, and international feature films, documentaries, and short films. Beyond the screenings, the festival offers a rich program of panel discussions, masterclasses, workshops, production market activities, project competitions, and networking sessions. These events give emerging filmmakers valuable opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, present new ideas, and build industry connections.
One of the festival’s key industry attractions is the Production Market, which brings together filmmakers, producers, investors, and production companies to explore partnerships and support future projects. The festival also hosts the First Cut platform for works in progress, Meet the Experts sessions, and book signings related to Saudi cinema, creating a comprehensive environment for both creative and professional development.
Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has become the Kingdom’s longest running film festival and an important platform for discovering new talent. Ithra has served as its strategic partner since 2014, helping expand its regional and international profile while supporting the growth of Saudi filmmaking. Today, the festival stands as a symbol of the Kingdom’s rapidly developing creative sector and its commitment to nurturing storytellers who can share Saudi voices with audiences around the world.
As Saudi Arabia continues investing in its cultural industries under Vision 2030, the 12th Saudi Film Festival demonstrates how cinema is becoming an essential part of the country’s creative future. With compelling stories, international collaborations, and opportunities for emerging talent, the festival reinforces Saudi Arabia’s growing position as a regional hub for film and visual storytelling.
