The Saudi Film Festival continued its varied film programs in its 12th edition at the theater of the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran, with screenings of Saudi documentaries and fiction films addressing national identity, heritage and memory, along with professional programs and specialized sessions bringing filmmakers and experts together.

The film program opened with the feature "Hijra", which tells a human journey blending the atmosphere of Hajj and the desert with questions of belonging, family and faith, in a dramatic treatment that reflects multiple social and cultural dimensions.

Saudi documentaries drew notable attention. "King of the Shoulders" explored the symbolism of the Saudi bisht as an element of national identity, "Marjouj Hazzazi" followed the experience of a Saudi hacker, "Gunpowder Fog" documented efforts to revive the traditional Al Midqal dance in the Aseer region, and "Depth" told the story of a young man who takes up diving in search of a living and self-fulfillment.

The festival also screened a number of short fiction films, including "Al Sitr", "Sam", "Unknown" and "Marzouq", whose themes ranged across social and human issues and offered different perspectives on the changes society is experiencing.

In the international program, the cinema hall hosted the "Spotlight on Korean Cinema" strand, which included the feature "Halo" and a number of short films, while the "Cinema of the Journey" strand presented the feature "The Lost Land", a moving human account of the refugee experience.

Ithra's plaza hosted production market sessions where filmmakers pitched their projects to producers and supporting bodies for development and preparation for production, along with a specialized seminar on the influence of digital platforms on drama, the future of acting and the limits of artistic freedom.

The Saudi Film Festival, organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with Ithra and supported by the Film Commission, continues its role in supporting the Saudi film industry, strengthening the presence of national talent and enriching the cultural scene through varied film and professional programs.

At a Glance

  • Date: 29 June 2026
  • Venue: King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), Dhahran
  • Event: Saudi Film Festival, 12th edition
  • Organizers: Cinema Association with Ithra, supported by the Film Commission
  • Programs: Saudi documentary and fiction screenings, Spotlight on Korean Cinema, Cinema of the Journey, production market, professional sessions and seminars
  • Themes: identity, heritage, memory, digital platforms, film project development