The Kingdom is helping creatives of all levels get involved.
Saudi Arabia’s cultural scene has been going through a major glow-up. From music festivals to art exhibitions, the Kingdom is embracing creativity like never before. The film industry has been growing steadily — attracting international names to Saudi Arabia but also creating space for local talent. This time around, the Saudi Film Commission is taking things a step further with two initiatives that highlight the Kingdom’s commitment to building a full-fledged cinema culture.
First up is the Film Community Engagement Initiative, which is returning for a second edition. After a successful debut last year, the programme is back and now running in four cities: Riyadh, Al Ahsa, Hail, and Taif. As part of this, 12 workshops will be held, covering everything from scriptwriting and directing to cinematography and production. They’re designed for creatives of all skill levels to try their hand at filmmaking.
The initiative also includes cinema nights. Audiences can catch a mix of local and international films, followed by discussions on what makes a movie work, and what stories matter. Plus, they can learn how cinema can reflect culture and identity.
While the community initiative focuses on the hands-on side of filmmaking, the Film Criticism Conference is all about reflection and conversation. Returning for its third edition, the event brings together film critics, scholars, and cinema lovers to explore the deeper side of storytelling.
This year’s theme is Cinema: The Art of Place. The theme explores how film captures location not just as a setting, but as a way to express identity. The conference will take place across Aseer inAugust, Qatif in October,and Riyadh in November. Expect a full line-up of talks, workshops, and art exhibitions along the way.
From behind-the-camera opportunities to thoughtful conversations, the Saudi Film Commission is ensuring everyone has a role to play. And with initiatives like these, the Kingdom is making sure its cultural presence is impactful, inclusive, and international.
GO: Visit https://film.moc.gov.sa/en for more information.