DUBAI: The 11th edition of the Saudi Film Festival, the Kingdom’s longest-running cinematic event, is concluding its week-long celebration at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) tomorrow (April 23).
Organised by the Cinema Association in collaboration with Ithra and supported by the Film Commission of the Ministry of Culture, the Festival embraces the theme "Cinema of Identity", drawing connections between film and culture, with a special spotlight on Japanese cinema.
Since its inception in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has emerged as a crucial platform for regional filmmakers. It has supported talent development through film screenings, script workshops, and networking initiatives. Ithra, which became a strategic partner in 2014, has played a key role in amplifying the festival’s presence across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.
This year’s red carpet ceremony was hosted by actors Aixa Kay and Khaled Saqer and featured appearances by major cinematic personalities, including Japanese filmmakers Koji Yamamura, Masakazu Kaneko, Naoko Tajima, and Ken Oshia.
Red carpet and opening
The festival opened with Siwar, the debut feature by Saudi director Osama Al Khurayji. Written by Rashed Al-Munajjim and based on true events, the film unravels the emotional drama of Saudi and Turkish newborns switched at birth.
Festival Director Ahmed Al-Mulla described the 11th edition as “a culmination of all the transformations the Saudi film industry has gone through,” positioning it as a hub for reimagining storytelling and fostering cross-cultural engagement.
Noura Alzamil, Ithra’s Head of Programs, noted the festival’s evolution into “a dynamic space where visions are created and reality is reshaped through storytelling that reflects the diversity of Saudi society.”
Screenings and highlights
Audiences were treated to 68 curated screenings, including 36 films from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf – spanning features, shorts, and documentaries. International selections came via collaborations with global festivals, bringing an eclectic mix of cinematic voices aligned with the central theme.
Notable screenings include:
- An Orange From Jaffa (2024, Palestine): Directed by Mohammed Almughanni, this poetic short explores identity and displacement through a symbolic orange. The film has won top honours, including the Grand Prix at Clermont-Ferrand and the Louis Le Prince Award in Leeds.
- Hobal (2024, Saudi Arabia): Abdulaziz Alshlahi’s psychological drama confronts emotional repression and trauma in modern society. It was recognised as Best Saudi Film at the Red Sea International Film Festival.
- My Driver and I (2024, Saudi Arabia): Directed by Ahd Kamel, this feature explores the evolving relationship between a young woman and her longtime driver, navigating themes of gender, class, and trust.
- The Dark Side of Japan (2024, Japan): Directed by Omar Farooq, the documentary dives into lesser-known aspects of Japanese society, as seen through the filmmaker’s immersive cultural journey.
Japanese cinema plays a pivotal role this year, with eight Japanese short and feature films screened. Four shorts were presented in collaboration with the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia, bringing new cultural dialogues to the forefront of the festival.
Industry platforms
Beyond screenings, the festival created robust engagement opportunities for filmmakers and industry professionals.
The Production Market enabled direct networking between producers, financiers, and creators, fostering project development and co-productions. One-on-one Meet the Experts sessions allowed emerging filmmakers to receive personalised mentorship from seasoned industry veterans.
A series of Panel Discussions and Masterclasses featured prominent figures like actor Ibrahim Al-Hsawi, directors Mohammed Alholayyil and Ayoub Layoussifi, and critic Andrew Mohsen. Topics ranged from scriptwriting techniques to strategies for international film distribution.
An advanced Japan Spotlight Seminar also explored the nuances of Japanese cinematic storytelling, featuring expert dialogues and cultural deep dives.
A total of 285 films were submitted for awards this year, with winners set to be announced at the closing ceremony. Details, passes, and streaming information are available via the official Ithra website.