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Program Overview

 

In an exceptional cultural partnership, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is proud to host the annual Saudi Film Festival, organized by the Cinema Association and supported by the Film Commission of the Ministry of Culture. Launched in 2008, it is considered to be the oldest-running film festival in the Kingdom, providing local filmmakers with a hub to screen their films, develop their scripts, engage in educational programs, and connect with other filmmakers for future projects.

The festival also provides cinephiles with opportunities to meet key industry parties, as well as access to independent films they otherwise would not be able to watch commercially.

Over the years, it gained a reputation of being the go-to festival for all Saudi and GCC filmmakers who wish to kick off their film career in the region. With Ithra as strategic partner since 2014, the festival was able to put its name among the most prestigious film festivals in the GCC. The theme of the 11th Saudi Film Festival is “Cinema of Identity”.

The Saudi Film Festival is back from April 17 - 23, 2025

Book Your Festival Pass!

In its 11th edition, the Saudi Film Festival introduces the Accreditation system, designed for cinephiles and professionals in the film industry. The accreditation aims to provide attendees with a smooth and engaging experience at the Festival.

There are three types of accreditation available:

  • Production Market Pass: This pass is recommended for professionals within the film industry, such as filmmakers, directors, producers and students enrolled in film or media related courses.
  • 7 Day Film Screening Pass: This pass is designed for individuals who are avid film enthusiasts keen on supporting local filmmakers and the film industry in Saudi Arabia.
  • 1 Day Film Screening Pass: This pass is designed for individuals who are attending a film festival for the first time, providing newcomers and enthusiasts with access to films developed by local filmmakers.
Production Market Pass

Production Market Pass

This pass provides access to:

  • Full access to screenings during the entire duration of the festival.
  • Meet the Celebrities: Exclusive access to red carpet activities.
  • Production Market: Access to entities and companies’ exhibition for networking and industry collaborations. Projects pitching.
  • Panel Discussions, masterclasses and seminars
  • Meet the Expert: Exclusive sessions with industry experts for advice and mentorship.
  • Private Project Screening Room: Access to a dedicated space for showcasing your projects.
  • Book Signing.
  • Complimentary souvenirs: Items and printed materials related to the festival.

Kindly note our policy below:

- The pass is non-refundable, non-transferable and non-exchangeable.

- The pass is the only means of access to the designated facilities, with entry varying depending on each pass.

- The events of the Saudi Film Festival will be suitable for the 18+ age group.

Secure your Pass Now!
7 Day Film Screening Pass

7 Day Film Screening Pass

This pass provides access to:

  • Full access to film screenings for seven days day.
  • Meet the Celebrities: Exclusive access to red carpet activities.
  • Complimentary souvenirs: Items and printed materials related to the festival.

Kindly note our policy below:

- The pass is non-refundable, non-transferable and non-exchangeable.

- The pass is the only means of access to the designated facilities, with entry varying depending on each pass.

- The events of the Saudi Film Festival will be suitable for the 18+ age group.

Secure your Pass Now!
1 Day Film Screening Pass

1 Day Film Screening Pass

This pass provides access to:

  • Full access to film screenings for one day.
  • Meet the Celebrities: Exclusive access to red carpet activities.

Kindly note our policy below:

- The pass is non-refundable, non-transferable and non-exchangeable.

- The pass is the only means of access to the designated facilities, with entry varying depending on each pass.

- The events of the Saudi Film Festival will be suitable for the 18+ age group.

Secure your Pass Now!
Media Accreditation Pass

Media Accreditation Pass

This pass provides access to:

  • Full access to screenings during the entire duration of the festival.
  • Meet the Celebrities: Exclusive access to red carpet activities.
  • Production Market: Access to entities and companies’ exhibition for networking and industry collaborations. Projects pitching.
  • Panel Discussions, masterclasses and seminars
  • Meet the Expert: Exclusive sessions with industry experts for advice and mentorship.
  • Private Project Screening Room: Access to a dedicated space for showcasing your projects.
  • Book Signing.
  • Complimentary souvenirs: Items and printed materials related to the festival.

Kindly note our policy below:

- The pass is non-refundable, non-transferable and non-exchangeable.

- The pass is the only means of access to the designated facilities, with entry varying depending on each pass.

- The events of the Saudi Film Festival will be suitable for the 18+ age group.

Register Now!

What to Expect From The Festival?

Red Carpet (Meet the Celebrities)

Red Carpet (Meet the Celebrities)

The festival welcomes guests on the red carpet during the opening and closing ceremonies and celebrates the filmmakers…

Coming Soon
Production Market

Production Market

The production market is a vibrant platform that brings together filmmakers, producers, financiers and talents from…

Coming Soon
Film Screenings

Film Screenings

In its 11th edition, the Saudi Film Festival presents a selection of Saudi and GCC films with the aim of supporting…

Coming Soon
Panel Discussions

Panel Discussions

The festival organizes a series of cultural and educational seminars with film industry experts, representatives from…

Coming Soon
Masterclasses

Masterclasses

The festival organizes a series of talks with local and global experts who are specialists with practical experience…

Coming Soon
Meet the Experts

Meet the Experts

Short and timed one-on-one sessions bring together filmmaking experts with filmmakers, producers, distributors, and…

Coming Soon
The Private Pitching Room

The Private Pitching Room

A dedicated opportunity space at the Saudi Film Festival, available on a first-come, first-served basis for…

Coming Soon
Book Signing

Book Signing

Dialogue sessions with the authors of the Saudi Cinema Encyclopedia Initiative books, a collection of informative and…

Coming Soon

Organizing Parties

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Saudi Film Festival Over The Years

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Saudi_Film_Festival_8_6-9-2022_Yasir_Alqunais-40-min.jpg

FAQs

What is the duration of the 11th edition of the Saudi Film Festival?

The 11th edition of the Saudi Film Festival will be held from the 17th until the 23rd of April 2025.

Where will the 11th Edition of the Saudi Film Festival take place?

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is hosting the 11th edition of the Saudi Film Festival. A host of quality programs will also be offered via the Festival’s official YouTube Channel.

Where can I 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:

How can I purchase passes to attend the programs and activities of the 11th edition of the Saudi Film Festival?

Passes are sold via the Ithra website or at 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 the purchase of a "production Market pass".

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:

Are visitors allowed to enter the production market? How?

Yes, visitors are allowed to enter the production market by purchasing a "production market pass".

When is the opening ceremony?

The opening ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 17th, 2025.

When are the winners of the Unproduced Script competition announced?

The winners of the Unproduced Script competition will be announced at the opening ceremony on Thursday, April 17th, 2025.

When are the winners of the film competition announced?

The winners of the film competition will be announced at the closing ceremony on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025.

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

The winners of the grants in the production market will be announced at the closing ceremony on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025.

Which companies or institutions are participating in the production market?

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

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

There are no workshops during this Festival’s edition.

Do all activities require the purchase of tickets?

There are no tickets for individual screenings.

There are three types of passes:

  • Production Market Pass: A special pass granted to professionals within the film industry, such as filmmakers, directors, producers, and other crew members.
  • 1 Day Film Screenings pass: Granted to film enthusiasts. A one day pass to all screenings offered per day.
  • 7 Days Film Screenings pass: Granted to film enthusiasts. A seven day pass to all screenings per day.

How much are movie tickets worth?

There are no tickets for individual screenings.

There are three types of passes:

  • Production Market Pass: A special pass granted to professionals within the film industry, such as filmmakers, directors, producers, and other crew members.
  • 1 Day Film Screenings pass: Granted to film enthusiasts. A one day pass to all screenings offered per day.
  • 7 Days Film Screenings pass: Granted to film enthusiasts. A seven day pass to all screenings per day.

Are there tickets for the whole day?

The "1 Day film Screenings Pass" allows a one day pass to all screenings offered per day.

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

You can purchase the "Production Market Pass" for an all-inclusive access for all days.

Does attending masterclasses require prior registration?

No registration is required, but purchasing a "Production Market Pass" is required.

Does attending seminars require prior registration?

No registration is required, but purchasing a "Production Market Pass" is required.

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