Returning for its third edition, the European Film Festival will showcase homegrown and indie-style films in both Jeddah and Riyadh, from May 29 through to June 6.

Solidifying its position within the global film industry, Saudi Arabia continues to take on Hollywood when it comes to producing top class productions and has become the go-to destination for multi-million dollar movie deals in the Middle East.

Just this month, Film AlUla and NEOM were recognised at the Global Production Awards in Cannes having been awarded two prizes and a special commendation. And at the 77th edition of the internationally acclaimed Cannes Film Festival. Norah became the first ever Saudi made film, directed by a Saudi national, with an all Saudi cast to be screened at the exclusive film awards. It even received a rousing standing ovation after its premiere at the Debussy Theatre, and was later awarded a Special Mention by the Un Certain Regard Jury.

Returning the favour, and giving smaller, feature films an international stage, and a presence in the Middle East, VOX Cinemas will show 21 films from 21 different European countries.

The movies will be shown in VOX Cinema Century Corner in Riyadh, and also in VOX Cinema Jeddah Park, the film festival comes as a collaboration between with the European Union Delegation in the GCC, embassies of the selected EU member states with Arabia Pictures.

VOX Century Corner in Riyadh will host a number. of live Q&A sessions and masterclasses with the production teams, film makers, actors and directors of the movies, with an aim of creating a cross-cultural knowledge exchange and detailed discussion points for those interested in the industry.

Stand out films include Spain's Close Your Eyes which premiered at Cannes Film Festival 2023, Ireland's Lakelands, the story a talented footballer, Cian who is attacked on a night out, and his struggles to accept his career ending injuries, and Palme d'Or winning Anatomy of a Fall from France.

21 Films from 21 European Countries

Along the Way: The Netherlands
Anatomy of a Fall: France
Avalanche of Love: Slovakia
Blaga's Lesson: Bulgaria
Buko: Czech Republic
Clear Shadows: Portugal
Close Your Eyes: Spain
Comedy Queen: Sweden
Dante: Italy
Hinterland: Austria
Iman: Cyprus
Kalev: Estonia
Lakelands: Ireland
Lost Children: Belgium
Remember to Blink: Lithuania
Rider's of Justice: Denmark
Smyrna My Beloved: Greece
Tale of Sleeping Giants: Finland
Talking About the Weather: Germany
The Balcony Movie: Poland
The Man Without Guilt: Slovenia

From May 29 - June 6,

Tickets are free but advanced reservation is required

VOX Cinema Century Corner (Riyadh) and Jeddah Park (Jeddah)

ksa.voxcinemas.com

arabiapictures.sa

jeddah-cinema