Saudi Film Forum Towards Global Prominence

Under the slogan "A Meeting That Changes the Scene," the Saudi capital, Riyadh, will host the third edition of the Saudi Film Forum from October 22 to 25, 2025. This step confirms the accelerating pace of the local film movement and the growing Saudi ambitions to establish its position as a regional and global hub for filmmaking.

The Forum is held under the generous patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Film Commission. This support reflects the significant attention the leadership pays to the cinema sector as a vital tributary of the creative economy and an extension of the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to develop non-oil sectors and enhance the global presence of Saudi culture. This support was not meant to remain ink on paper; it has been embodied in tangible initiatives launched by the Film Commission, such as the "Dhaw" film support program, whose contributions in its first cycle reached 40 million Saudi Riyals, forming the cornerstone for the launch of dozens of ambitious cinematic projects.

The Forum is no longer just a local event but has transformed into a global platform that brings together the most prominent players in the film industry at both the local and international levels. It aims to create new job opportunities, enable strategic partnerships, and build competitive cinematic projects capable of international presence. The exhibition accompanying the Forum, which includes more than 130 local and international entities, provides a comprehensive window into the latest innovations across the film industry value chain, from development and financing to production and distribution.

This year, the Forum also presents more than 30 dialogue sessions and specialized workshops, with the participation of an elite group of global experts and decision-makers, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to learn about the latest global practices and their local applications.

The Forum constitutes an ideal platform for highlighting and empowering Saudi talent, enabling young creators to network directly with prominent names in the industry and hone their skills through specialized workshops. Such initiatives have previously contributed to the emergence of a new generation of Saudi filmmakers who have begun to make their mark on the global cinematic map.

The success of Saudi cinema is no longer accidental; it is the result of strategic planning and unprecedented support. In recent years, Saudi films have managed to achieve remarkable accomplishments in the most prestigious international festivals, confirming their ability to compete globally:

· Film "Noura": Represented Saudi cinema for the first time at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in 2024, receiving a special mention from the "Un Certain Regard" jury, and also won the Grand Jury Prize at the MonteRoy Film Festival in Paris.

· Film "Hed Al-Taar": Had a notable presence at the Academy Awards (Oscars) ceremony, marking a historic achievement for Saudi cinema.

· Film "Wadjda": Was nominated for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film in 2013 and won three awards at the Venice Film Festival.

· Film "The Perfect Candidate": Was the first Saudi film to participate in the official competition of the Venice International Film Festival.

Undoubtedly, the third edition of the Saudi Film Forum is not merely a passing event, but a pivotal milestone in the journey of the film industry's development in the Kingdom. Under the slogan "A Meeting That Changes the Scene," this Forum embodies an ambitious vision that places Saudi Arabia on the global cinematic map, not only as a promising market but as a cultural and artistic producer capable of competing and showcasing the authentic Saudi identity through a refined, creative medium. The significant support from the Ministry of Culture and the Film Commission, represented by the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, is the fundamental guarantor for the continuation of this promising cinematic renaissance, which will undoubtedly make the Kingdom a global cinema destination in the coming years.