Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The Saudi Cinema Association has announced the launch of the 11th edition of the Saudi Film Festival, which will be held from April 17 to 23. The festival will feature Saudi, Gulf, and Arab films, as well as films from other countries, in collaboration with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) and with the support of the Film Commission.
A total of 68 films will be screened during the festival, alongside four seminars and four training programs, as well as three book-signing sessions for the Saudi Cinema Encyclopedia. The production market will feature 22 projects, and Saudi artist Ibrahim Al-Hassawi will be honored.
Ahmed Al-Mulla, the festival’s president, explained at a press conference that since its fifth edition, the festival has opened its doors to Gulf films, including not only the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries but also Iraq and Yemen. Films from these countries have been selected to participate in the competition.
The new edition will also spotlight Japanese cinema, featuring both long and short Japanese films, hosting cinema experts, and organizing a cultural seminar on the Japanese cinema experience.
It is worth noting that the Saudi Film Festival was founded in 2008 under the name “Saudi Film Competition.” After a seven-year hiatus, it was relaunched as the Saudi Film Festival and is currently managed by the Saudi Cinema Association.
