European Film Festival Returns to Riyadh for Fifth Edition
The festival is screening 15 films from 15 European countries at VOX Cinemas through November 11th.
The European Film Festival has returned to Riyadh for its fifth edition, bringing 15 films from 15 European countries to VOX Cinemas through November 11th. The programme is organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Saudi Arabia in collaboration with EU member state embassies and supported by the Saudi Film Commission.
Alongside the public screenings, this year’s edition includes three industry masterclasses designed to encourage exchange between Saudi and European film professionals. European Union Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Christophe Farnaud said the sessions are intended to facilitate greater collaboration between both industries.
Opening-night host Linda Al-Faisal said around 3,000 tickets had been sold for this year’s programme. Saudi actress Ghada AlMulla also highlighted the festival’s role in exposing local audiences and industry professionals to different European cinematic traditions and approaches.
The first European Film Festival in Saudi Arabia was held in June 2022, opening with Gregory Magne’s French film ‘Perfumes’ alongside 13 other European titles. Since then, the festival has continued to combine screenings with professional sessions focused on filmmaking, production and opportunities for international collaboration.
