A Decade of Cinema in Saudi Arabia: The Journey of the Saudi Film Festival

Over the past six years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its film industry, driven by the lifting of the cinema ban in 2017. The Saudi Film Festival (SFF), celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has played a pivotal role in fostering the country’s burgeoning filmmaking community. Founded in 2014, SFF has evolved from underground screenings to a vibrant event at the state-of-the-art King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran. With a focus on Saudi and Gulf filmmakers, the festival has also expanded its scope to include workshops, masterclasses, and a production market showcasing emerging talents. As the Saudi film industry continues to grow rapidly, SFF remains a beacon of support and innovation, contributing significantly to the country’s cultural landscape.

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