Why Local Filmmakers Should Attend the Saudi Film Festival

If you have been eager to pursue your film writing dreams and crave to tackle your film projects, the Saudi Film Festival is for you to absorb creative energy, learn all about the film industry's know-how, and share your flare for film finesse.

When the Saudi cinema scene boomed, the festival enhanced the ever-evolving movie industry in the country. The Saudi Film Festival, hosted by Ithra, continues to be the go-to event for all local Saudi creatives, writers, filmmakers and film fanatics in the Gulf and Arab region. Let’s dive into the details and see how you can benefit from the film festival next door.

What to Expect from the Saudi Film Festival 

As crowds file in and as guests arrive, the Center buzzes with energy, elegance and a sense of anticipation for film, fashion and festivities. The Saudi Film Festival is an event you attend to feel inspired and leave with ambition. You are sure to have a jam-packed agenda—from watching all the films, meeting beloved TV and film stars, movie experts, influencers and directors, and soaking in all the movie magic the festival has to offer. The Saudi Film Festival is a cultural event with yearly themes reflecting the artistic and collective narratives from award-winning films.

Before your first day at the Saudi Film Festival, review your agenda and mark all the right dates, times and locations for the programs you want to attend. Hit the road where Khobar city buzzes with excitement for the week’s attraction!

The Networking Hub to Take Your Film Project to the Next Level

The red carpet had been rolled out days in advance from the Opening Ceremony. It stretched far from Ithra’s main entrance, bigger than ever—suitable for the burgeoning Saudi film industry. Dress your best—yet comfortable as you’ll be mingling all day!—and look out for your favorite Saudi actors and actresses. As you make your way along the red carpet, you are welcomed into the Production Market, a space equipped with the tools and talents to inspire you to take your film project to the next level.

Expect to take full advantage of this aspect of the Saudi Film Festival, as the Production Market connects you with local and international producers, filmmakers and financiers to help create, produce and fund your films. You have the chance to meet prominent figures in the industry, from executive directors of film festivals around the world to local agencies ready to assist you with your project.

This is the networking hub of the Saudi Film Festival. Prepare your film logline and a few questions to ask your fellow filmmakers. If you have decided to attend while in the pre-stages of your filmmaking career, the Production Market at the Saudi Film Festival is a great opportunity to learn from experienced talents, gather contacts of professionals who can help you get your film started and get fully motivated to work on your film right then and there at the festival. 

Here’s what you can do to prepare: 

• Research the speakers and other attendees shared days before the festival and familiarize yourself with their work.
• Make a list of people you would like to chat with.
• Have a list of topics and questions to make it easy on your nerves while socializing at the festival. 

Don’t be afraid to chat with whoever you stand next to while you get a beverage or snack. The Production Market is designed to help local talents get a lift into the Saudi film industry! 

Something to keep in mind: film folk are among the most expansively creative and curious minds. A conversation with one can lead you to exchange ideas and opinions on diverse films and topics. You can grow your business connections and make an acquaintance or two. Be open to chatting with whoever you sit next to—you could meet a designer willing to create costume designs for your film or a reader who would love to take a look at your screenplay.

There is an abundance of creative energy to absorb and glamorous moments to snap in the Production Market. Between networking and watching all the films, you can grab a coffee and start to work on your script or filming plans.

The Saudi Film Festival is Your Best Learning Opportunity 

The panel discussions, masterclasses and other opportunities at the Saudi Film Festival are at your disposal. They are your best learning opportunity to dig deeper into the film industry and get tips and tricks from industry experts. You have the chance to discuss a variety of topics from trends in the industry, meet and engage in one-on-one conversations with renowned filmmakers, and learn about the creative process from filmmakers.

Schedule your festival days with programs you’d like to attend and have them align with your career goals. Even if you haven’t started work on your project, the panel discussions at the Saudi Film Festival offer great insight from industry professionals to up-and-coming filmmakers. One age-old trick is to have a stack of business cards ready to hand out whenever you meet someone you would like to collaborate with. You never know if you’ll meet them again next year or at any other festival around the world!

Films are Your Most Organic Source of Inspiration 

Films have a way of sparking inspiration in all of us—whether you’re a writer, producer or director, a film scene pulls out your next great idea. Attending the film screenings at the Saudi Film Festival is also a great way to learn new filming techniques in lighting, camera work, acting and stage production. It’s a chance to have a movie marathon, film after film, and to watch first-time screenings and gain exclusive access to Q&A’s with the directors.

If you’re attending the film festival solo, you can spend your time watching the films. Take notes on how the story’s theme unfolds from scene to scene or how the dialogue must have translated from script to shot. From the opening credits to the end, a movie has always been and continues to be our first learning experience in the world of filmmaking.

Is Attending the Saudi Film Festival Worth It?

You bet. Even if you’re looking to dip your toes in a new experience, to enrich your days with contagious creativity and great conversations, the Saudi Film Festival should be marked on your agenda every year.  It’s a festival that inspires you to get started on your dreams. You meet prominent figures in the industry who share the same passions and offer ecstatic motivation.

The Saudi Film Festival offers opportunities to kickstart your filmmaking career. Gaining gradual progress and consistency with your projects can lead to grand accomplishments. You can submit your screenplay one year, win an award the next and you might have your film featured in the upcoming film festival! The festival has limitless impact on its participants, as long as they are willing to chase their dreams.

On the final day of the Saudi Film Festival, the Closing Ceremony awards the best films in various categories—from best documentary to best feature film. The Golden Palm is an iconic symbol awarded to cinematic masterpieces. Year after year, the creativity in storytelling captures audiences and continues to evolve.

The Saudi Film Festival is a great event for local filmmakers eager to put action into their projects. Set in Ithra, there isn’t a corner in the Center that doesn’t offer space for aspiring and established film creatives to expand their imaginations, connect with fellow filmmakers and be one step closer to having their film dreams featured on screens.

It’s a perfect time to nickname the city “Palmwood” as excitement intensifies for the next Golden Palm winners. So, it’s only fitting to say: lights, camera, and take action towards your dreams!

Nora Al-Taha