The Saudi Film Festival is back for its 11th edition, bringing a week of cinema, creativity, and industry connections to Dhahran. Running from April 17 to 23, 2025, the festival will once again be hosted at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), organized by the Cinema Association.
As the oldest film festival in Saudi Arabia, this event is a major platform for local and international filmmakers. This year’s theme, “Cinema of Identity,” explores how films shape personal and cultural identity.
Alongside screenings of Saudi and global films, audiences will get a closer look at Japanese cinema, creating an artistic dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Japan.
Saudi Film Festival 2025 includes several competitions, such as the Film Competition, Unexecuted Screenplay Competition, and Production Market Projects Competition. Beyond film screenings, attendees can take part in workshops, masterclasses, and networking sessions designed to help new talent sharpen their skills and meet industry professionals.
A Festival Museum will bring past editions to life, while book signings and pitch sessions add more ways to engage with the film world.
This year, the festival will also honor legendary Saudi actor Ibrahim Al-Hasawi, celebrating his career and impact on the local entertainment scene. His work in productions like “Tash Ma Tash,” “Bayni Wa Baynak,” “Hajjan,” “Zero Distance,” and “Hobal” has left a strong mark on Saudi cinema.
Tickets for the screenings start at SAR 40, offering film lovers a chance to enjoy a diverse mix of storytelling on the big screen. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a cinema enthusiast, or just curious about the local film scene, Saudi Film Festival 2025 promises a week full of engaging and thought-provoking films.
