Originally slated to take place in April, the Saudi Film Festival has this evening confirmed rescheduled dates during the summer. Organised by the Cinema Association in partnership with Ithra and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, the 12th edition of the Saudi Film Festival will now return in June, rather than the expected April dates.
Since its inception in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has evolved from a grassroots initiative into the Kingdom’s most significant annual gathering for independent filmmakers and industry professionals. As the 2026 edition approaches, the event remains a cornerstone of the national cultural calendar, dedicated to fostering a sustainable environment for Saudi film and Gulf cinema through a week of high-level screenings and professional exchange.
The 12th edition of the festival was originally announced and scheduled to take place from April 23 to April 29, 2026, but has now been postponed to June 25 - July 1, 2026.
This year, the organisers have selected "Cinema of the Journey" as the overarching theme, a concept that explores the physical and emotional transitions inherent in storytelling. The theme is designed to encompass a broad range of narratives, specifically highlighting road movies, travel chronicles, and stories where movement acts as the primary engine for character development. By focusing on the "Journey of Cinema," the festival encourages filmmakers to reflect on the evolving Saudi landscape and the personal transformations of its people.
In keeping with its tradition of international cultural exchange, the 2026 festival will feature a "Spotlight on Korean Cinema." This focus follows the success of previous years' regional spotlights and recognises South Korea’s profound influence on the global cinematic stage. Attendees can expect a curated selection of Korean feature films and shorts, providing a unique window into one of the world's most innovative film industries. This international program will run alongside the festival’s core Arab and international film competitions, which remain the primary showcase for new regional voices.
While the full official screening schedule is typically released closer to the opening night, the festival has confirmed that the program will include narrative and documentary competitions for both short and feature-length films. Beyond the cinema screen, the event will host a production market, providing a dedicated platform for creators to connect with producers and investors. Cultural seminars, specialised workshops, and masterclasses led by industry experts will round out the week, ensuring that the 12th edition continues to serve as both a celebration of finished works and a laboratory for the future of Saudi filmmaking.
Saudi Film Festival 2026, from June 25 - July 1, 2026
(Original dates from April 23 - 29, 2026)
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), Dharan 34461
saudifilmfestival.org
@ithra @saudifilmfestival
