For its 9th edition, the Saudi Film Festival returns as a distinguished annual cultural event. Hosted by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), organized by the Saudi Cinema Association and supported by the Film Commission of the Ministry of Culture, the festival puts Saudi literary and cultural contributions to the film industry, filmmakers and talent from the Kingdom’s cinema sector once again in the spotlight.

This edition of the festival has much to offer, including competitions that aim to develop the quality of screenplays and films. The festival is now expanding the scope of film screening programs to include a broader range of Arab and international productions as it serves as a platform for production companies, producers and filmmakers to support their projects in the production market. The festival programming now includes a wide array of enriching programs such as seminars and intensive workshops to elevate the Saudi filmmaking sector. Additionally, a selection of books will be translated and published as part of a series that aims to enrich the Arab library in the genres of filmmaking and cinema literature.

Offerings

VR Experience VR Experience

VR Experience

11th May 2023

3:00 PM - 11:00 PM

12+

Arabic, English

Plaza

Production Market Production Market

Production Market

10th May 2023

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM · 13 hrs

+16

Arabic, English

Great Hall

Film Screening Film Screening

Film Screening

11th May 2023

2:00 PM - 11:30 PM · 9 hrs 30 mins

+16

Arabic

Assorted Locations

Starting SAR 25.00

Talking Sessions Talking Sessions

Talking Sessions

9th May 2023

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM · 1 hr

12+

Arabic, English

Great Hall

Masterclass Masterclass

Masterclass

9th May 2023

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM · 1 hr

+12

Arabic, English

Great Hall

Book Signing Book Signing

Book Signing

9th May 2023

7:00 PM - 7:30 PM

All Ages

Great Hall

Panel Discussion: Sattar Film Experience Panel Discussion: Sattar Film Experience

Panel Discussion: Sattar Film Experience

8th May 2023

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

12+

Arabic, English

Great Hall

Children's Films Children's Films

Children's Films

11th May 2023

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM · 1 hr

8+

Arabic

Cinema

FAQ

What is the duration of the ninth edition of the Saudi Film Festival?

The 9th Edition of the Saudi Film Festival will be held from the 4th until the 11th of May 2023.

Where will the 9th Edition of the Saudi Film Festival take place?

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is hosting the 9th edition of the Saudi Film Festival. A host of quality programs will also be offered via the Festival’s official YouTube Channel.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKImKmSvuQm6FkVFvZXPWJw

How to learn about the Film Festival’s planned live broadcast schedule?

To find out about the live broadcast schedule please visit the festival’s website and social media accounts:

www.saudifilmfestival.org

TW: @SA_FilmFestival IG: @saudifilmfestival

How to purchase tickets to attend the programs and activities of the ninth edition of the Saudi Film Festival?

Tickets are sold via the Ithra website or designated points of sale within the center.

Is it possible to attend the ceremony and communicate with production companies, potential investors, and stakeholders of the film industry without participating in the competition?

The Festival provides a networking opportunity for creative filmmakers and those interested in the film industry, but requires obtaining an entry permit to the production market through their designated information desk.

How can we know the show time for the featured films?

To learn about the list of featured films please visit the Festival’s website and social media accounts:

www.saudifilmfestival.org

TW: @SA_FilmFestival IG: @saudifilmfestival

Are visitors allowed to enter the production market? How?

Yes, visitors are allowed to enter the production market by obtaining a permit through their designated information desk at the gate to the Great Hall.

When is the opening ceremony?

On Thursday, May 4, 2023.

When are the winners of the Unproduced Script competition announced?

At the opening ceremony on Thursday, May 4, 2023.

When are the winners of the film competition announced?

At the closing ceremony on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

When will the winners of the grants in the production market be announced?

At the closing ceremony on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

Which companies or institutions are participating in the production market?

 You can find out about the participating companies through the Festival’s website and social media accounts:

www.saudifilmfestival.org

TW: @SA_FilmFestival IG: @saudifilmfestival

Will the workshops be broadcast on the Festival’s channel?

No, workshops require physical attendance and will not be broadcast on the Festival’s channel.

What are the allocated times for the workshops?

Candidates attending the workshops will be contacted to inform them of their specific times. You can also find out about this by visiting the Festival’s website and social media accounts:

www.saudifilmfestival.org

TW: @SA_FilmFestival IG: @saudifilmfestival

Do all activities require the purchase of tickets?

No, tickets are required of individuals who wish to attend movie screenings only.

Are there tickets for the whole day?

There are no whole day tickets.

Is there an all-inclusive pass for all days of the Festival?

 No, there is no such a ticket.

How can I sign up for workshops?

You can register via the Festival’s webpage.

How can we know the location of the workshop?

The workshops will be held at Ithra center, and the participants will be contacted with the necessary details.

Is it possible to register for more than one workshop?

Yes, but it is better to choose one workshop based on your interest in the subject.

Does attending seminars require prior registration?

No registration is required, but an entry permit is required through the designated information desk of the production market at the gate to the Great Hall.

Does attending masterclasses require prior registration?

No registration is required, but an entry permit is required through the designated information desk of the production market at the gate to the Great Hall.

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