The 12th edition of the Saudi Film Festival is scheduled to take place from April 23 to 29, 2026, at the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran. The festival’s theme, “Cinema of the Journey,” will be highlighted with a special focus on Korean cinema. Organized by the Cinema Association in collaboration with Ithra and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, the festival has been a significant platform for Saudi and Gulf filmmakers since its inception in 2008.
Founder and director of the festival, Ahmed Al-Mulla, emphasized the inclusive nature of the event, stating, “Our doors are open to all creators, with filmmakers being at the core of our activities.” The theme for the 2026 festival, “Cinema of the Journey,” explores the concept of transformation through physical or emotional movement. The lineup will feature a variety of Arab and international short and feature-length films that revolve around narratives of journeys, including road movies, migration tales, and stories of self-discovery.
The festival’s focus on Korean cinema in 2026 follows a similar spotlight on Japanese film in 2025, in alignment with a memorandum of understanding signed between the Saudi Film Commission and the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) in February 2025. The partnership aims to enhance collaboration in training, knowledge sharing, and industry advancement. While specific details of the Korean cinema segment are yet to be unveiled, it is expected to include screenings and professional exchange activities.
The festival, held at Ithra, a renowned cultural complex in Dhahran, boasts purpose-built cinema facilities and has been a consistent venue for multiple festival editions. Festival deputy director Tariq Al-Khawaji expressed pride in the enduring partnership with the Cinema Association and highlighted the meticulous approach taken by organizers as the event gains more international prominence.
In addition to film screenings, the festival will offer workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions, a production market, and a project competition, catering to industry professionals and aspiring filmmakers. Against the backdrop of increasing cinema attendance in Saudi Arabia, recent data from the Saudi Film Commission’s Saudi Box Office Performance – 2024 report revealed significant growth, with 64 theaters, 630 screens, 17.5 million tickets sold, and SAR 845.6 million in total revenue in the previous year.
For Saudi filmmakers, the festival serves as a vital platform for showcasing their work, networking, and testing new projects. While each festival edition contributes to the evolution of the industry, the annual programming of the Saudi Film Festival has become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning film landscape.
