The Saudi Film Festival has concluded its 12th edition at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran after days packed with screenings and professional programs, crowning the winners of the official competitions and announcing the main features of the next edition. The festival is organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with Ithra and with the support of the Film Commission.

The edition screened 50 films spanning feature-length and short fiction and documentaries, along with parallel screenings, the "Spotlight on Korean Cinema" program and the "Cinema of the Journey" theme, in addition to the production market, seminars, specialized sessions and expert meetings.

"Hijra" by director Shahad Ameen won the Golden Palm for best feature film, actress Sarah Taibah won best actress for her role in "A Matter of Life or Death", and "Erkalla: Gilgamesh's Dream" won best Gulf feature film.

In the short film category, "Unknown" was named best short fiction film, "An Ant's Scream" won the Abdullah Al Muhaisen Award for a first film, and "Seed" won best Gulf short film.

In the documentary competition, "Gunpowder Fog" won the Golden Palm, "Marjouj Hazzazi" received the jury award, and best Gulf documentary went to "Fariha".

The production market made a strong showing this year, presenting 51 cash and in-kind awards worth more than SAR 4 million, an increase of more than 60% on the previous edition, with 13 film projects competing for support in development, production and post-production.

The festival's organizers said the 12th edition reflected the rapid growth of the Saudi film sector through support for national talent, wider cooperation with international experiences and the strengthening of the Kingdom's standing as a growing center for filmmaking in the region.