A gateway to the past, Al Balad is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture.
And now, the newly opened Cinema Al Balad is redefining Jeddah’s historic and UNESCO-listed district district by bringing arthouse cinema to the heart of the city, offering an arthouse experience unlike anything else in the Kingdom.
The venue is a tribute to Al-Jumjum Cinema, Saudi Arabia’s first open-air cinema, which lit up Jeddah’s cultural life decades ago with SAR 10 tickets and back-to-back evening shows. That legacy lives on, but Cinema Al Balad is firmly focused on what’s next.
Showcasing independent films and curated screenings, the venue offers a unique cultural experience for cinephiles. Here, you’ll find a carefully curated program of Saudi films, global classics, and independent gems, with a particular spotlight on short films and documentaries by local filmmakers. Expect both debut works and festival darlings, all screened in an intimate setting that invites conversation as much as applause.
Cinema Al Balad is collaborating with major regional festivals, including the Saudi Film Festival, and is planning to host Arab and international premieres, bringing actors, directors and producers into direct dialogue with their audiences.
Workshops and panels are also part of the plan, with directors, screenwriters, cinematographers, and composers from across the region and beyond taking the stage to share insights and inspire the next wave of creatives.
More than a movie theater, Cinema Al Balad is a creative hub — a place to meet, talk, and think about film as entertainment and as a cultural force.
Check the schedule and book your seat at cinemaalbalad.com. The films are fresh, the setting is iconic (and it won’t stay a secret for long).
