Saudi Film Festival

The 12th edition

The Saudi Film Festival is a cultural and cinematic event that presents a wide range of programs in the film sector, including film screenings, training workshops, cultural seminars, advanced masterclasses, a production market, and a project competition. Since its launch in 2008, it has continued to grow over the past 17 years, delivering eleventh remarkable editions that brought together hundreds of Saudi filmmakers and screenwriters. Over the years, the festival has hosted numerous international filmmakers and experts, helping to build bridges of knowledge and experience for local filmmakers through training workshops, cultural discussions, and publications that have been an integral part of every edition.

Filmmaster MEA organized the 12th edition of the Saudi Film Festival, held in Dhahran at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) from June 26 to July 2, 2026, celebrating the remarkable growth of Saudi cinema under the inspiring theme "Every Story is a Journey". Organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with Ithra and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, the festival brought together filmmakers, producers, critics, and cinema enthusiasts from Saudi Arabia and around the world.

This year's festival featured a diverse program of feature films, short films, documentaries, workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions, and a production market designed to support emerging talent and strengthen the Kingdom's film industry. More than 300 submissions were received, with selected films competing across multiple categories while showcasing stories that reflect Saudi culture, identity, and creativity alongside international cinematic works.