Riyadh Film Music Festival is back for its second edition, taking place from July 30 to August 8, 2025. Organised by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, this year’s festival will be held at the Red Hall Theater of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
The event will bring together 80 internationally renowned film music composers for a unique cultural celebration. Audiences can expect an immersive blend of iconic films and live orchestral performances, with a professional orchestra from Armenia providing the soundtrack for the screenings.
Here’s the list of featured film concerts during Riyadh Film Music Festival 2025:
Top Gun: Maverick
When: July 30 – August 2
The music of Hans Zimmer returns with live performances of the high-energy score alongside chart-toppers like Hold My Hand by Lady Gaga and I Ain’t Worried by One Republic.
The Lion King
When: August 1-2
Experience the powerful musical collaboration of Hans Zimmer and Elton John in the beloved Disney classic. Expect pieces like Circle of Life and Can You Feel the Love Tonight performed live.
Back to the Future
When: August 5-6
The iconic 1985 film features music by Alan Silvestri and hits like The Power of Love by Huey Lewis and the News. A nostalgic concert experience that blends cinema and sound.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
When: August 7-8
Hans Zimmer’s adventurous score takes centre stage with orchestral renditions of Fog Bound, The Medallion Calls, and The Black Pearl.
The festival offers a full-scale audio-visual experience blending the power of storytelling with orchestral performance. Whether you’re a fan of film scores or live music, the event promises a different kind of night at the theatre.
As Saudi Arabia continues expanding its cultural footprint, it’s worth noting that Cinema Al Balad, the country’s first open-air cinema, opened in Jeddah earlier this year. The kingdom’s film culture is clearly on the rise — and events like this are only the beginning.
