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Overview
Passes
Offerings
FAQ

Program Overview

 

In a distinguished 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 longest running film festival in the Kingdom, providing local and regional 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 figures, as well as access to independent films they otherwise would not be able to watch commercially. This year, the 12th edition of the Saudi Film Festival adopts The Journey as an overarching theme; reflecting on the production of films, from a simple idea on paper to a lived experience on screen and the transformations of its creators.

Early Bird discount offer is available for a limited time only!

Get 15% off any of the Saudi Film Festival passes.

This offer is only available from February 12 to March 12. 

 
Industry Pass

Industry Pass

Designed for filmmakers and producers. Apply for accreditation!

This accreditation provides access to:

  • Unlimited screenings from April 24 – April 29.
  • Meet the Celebrities: Exclusive access to red carpet activities.
  • Production Market: Access to entities and companies’ exhibition for networking, industry collaborations and project pitching.
  • Panel discussions, masterclasses and seminars.
  • Meet the Expert program: Exclusive sessions with industry experts for advice and mentorship.
  • Private Project Screening Room: Access to a dedicated space for showcasing your projects.
  • Book signing activations.

500 SAR

425 SAR

Register Now!
Festival Pass

Festival Pass

Designed for passionate cinephiles.

This pass provides access to:

  • Unlimited screenings from April 24 – April 29.

  • Meet the Celebrities: Exclusive access to red carpet activities.

300 SAR

255 SAR
Weekend Pass

Weekend Pass

Designed for the curious explorer.

This pass provides access to:

  • Unlimited screenings from April 24 – April 25.
  • Meet the Celebrities: Exclusive access to red carpet activities.​​​

150 SAR

128 SAR
One-Day Pass

One-Day Pass

Designed for the casual visitor.

This pass provides access to:

  • Unlimited screenings for one day only.

  • Meet the Celebrities: Exclusive access to red carpet activities.

75 SAR

64 SAR

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.
  • Pass holders are able to engage with the festival offerings on a first come first serve basis.

What to Expect From The Festival?

Red Carpet

Red Carpet

The festival welcomes guests on the red carpet during the opening and closing...

Coming soon!
Production Market

Production Market

The production market is a vibrant platform that brings together filmmakers...

Coming soon!
Film Screenings

Film Screenings

In its 11th edition, the Saudi Film Festival presents a selection of Saudi and GCC films...

Coming soon!
Panel Discussions

Panel Discussions

The festival organizes a series of cultural and educational seminars with film industry experts...

Coming soon!
Masterclasses

Masterclasses

The festival organizes a series of talks with local and global experts...

Coming soon!
Meet the Experts

Meet the Experts

Short and timed one-on-one sessions bring together filmmaking experts with filmmakers...

Coming soon!
First Cut Program

First Cut Program

A dedicated opportunity space at the Saudi Film Festival, available on a first-come...

Coming soon!
Book Signing

Book Signing

Dialogue sessions with the authors of the Saudi Cinema Encyclopedia Initiative books...

Coming soon!

Organizing Parties

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FAQs

When will the 12th Saudi Film Festival be held?

The 12th edition of the Saudi Film Festival will take place from April 23 – 29, 2026.

Where is the festival being held?

The festival will be hosted at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran.

How do I access the festival's broadcast schedule?

For updates on livestreams and online content, please refer to our official website and social media platforms.

How can I purchase passes for the 12th edition?

Passes can be purchased through the public-facing website and at the Ithra Center.
Please note, Industry Passes require an approval review process and cannot be bought immediately onsite or offsite.

What are the different types of passes?

1. Festival Pass.

2. Weekend Pass.

3. One-Day Pass.

4. Industry Pass.

Can I attend the opening or closing ceremonies?

Attendance to the Opening (April 23) and Closing (April 29) ceremonies is by special invitation only.

When will the winners be announced at the ceremonies?

  • Unproduced Script Competition Winners: Announced during the Opening Ceremony (April 23).
     

  • Film Competition and Grant Winners: Announced during the Closing Ceremony (April 29).

Is the Production Market open to the public?

Yes. Additionally, the Industry Pass offers exclusive access to networking events, panels and workshops with professionals and production entities located in the dedicated Industry Zones.

Which companies are participating in the Production Market?

A full list of participating companies will be available on the Saudi Film Festival and Ithra’s social media platforms closer to the event.

Will workshops be streamed online?

Workshops are on-site only and will not be streamed. However, select highlights may be shared post-event on our social media channels.

Are individual screening tickets available?

No, all screenings are accessed through the Festival Passes listed above.

Is prior registration required to attend workshops, panels or masterclasses?

Pre-registration is required and will be provided after your Industry Pass application is approved.

Can a One-Day Pass be rescheduled, or upgraded to a festival pass?

 No, all passes are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled or upgraded.

Do media badge holders have access to all festival venues, including the opening and closing ceremonies?

Only accredited media badge holders have access to all the festival venues. The opening and closing ceremonies are by invitation only.


 


 

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