Held from April 17 to 23, the 11th edition of the Saudi Film Festival was organised by the Saudi Cinema Association, in collaboration with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), and supported by the Saudi Film Commission.

This year's opening and closing ceremonies were presented by Saudi actors Khaled Saqer and Aixa Kay.

Cinema of Identity: Stories Seen and Told

The central theme of this year’s edition, “Stories Seen and Told,” focused on Cinema of Identity, an exploration of memory, belonging, and place. Many of the participating films embraced deeply personal and culturally rooted narratives, delivered through intimate and experimental storytelling lenses. This theme reflected the Kingdom’s growing cinematic confidence, and highlighted stories that feel locally grounded yet globally resonant.

Spotlight on Storytelling: Panels and Masterclasses

Beyond the screenings, the festival hosted a powerful lineup of panel discussions and engaging masterclasses, that highlighted the evolving craft and culture of filmmaking in the region.

A standout was the Honour Figure Panel, a tribute session celebrating the career of Saudi actor, producer, and poet Ibrahim Al-Hasawi, moderated by Abdulmajeed AlKanani. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Al-Hasawi has left an indelible mark on Saudi cinema, appearing in 45 theatre productions, 90 television series, and 15 films, including iconic titles like Tash Ma Tash, Hajjan, and Hobal.

As part of the tribute, a commemorative book titled From Village Theatre to the Global Screen was launched, where Al-Hasawi participated in book signings and conversations with aspiring filmmakers, reinforcing his role as a mentor and cultural trailblazer in the industry.

Other key discussions included Cinema of Identity, exploring the intersection of creativity and representation; Flowing Narratives, examining myth, memory, and landscape in cinema; and a Spotlight on Japanese Cinema, which introduced global perspectives into the local dialogue.

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Filmmakers also benefited from expert-led masterclasses, including:

“Giving Shape to Invisible Light” by Japanese director Koji Yamamura.

“Independent Film Production: Behind the Scenes” with Abdullah Orabi and Chawki Knis.

A session on artistic film marketing and distribution by acclaimed Egyptian producer Mohamed Hefzy.

Golden Palm Awards

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As always, the festival ended in a vibrant closing ceremony that brought together filmmakers, critics, and audiences to honour the winners of the Golden Palm Awards, celebrating standout films and emerging voices from the Kingdom and across the Gulf. This year’s jury panels reflected a wide cultural spectrum, bringing together filmmakers, scholars, and industry professionals from around the world including Ismaïl Ferroukhi, Ken Ochiai, Marianne Khoury, and Saudi Saudi filmmaker Walaa Bahafzallah.

It was evident from the turn out and the films on display this year’s eleventh edition of the Saudi Film Festival reaffirmed the growing confidence of regional filmmakers and the increasing appetite for authentic storytelling.

Golden Palm winners

Best Film: “My Driver and I” by director Ahd Kamel

Best actor award: Meshal Al-Mutairi

Best feature narrative GCC film: “Songs of Adam” by Iraqi director Oday Rasheed

Best short film: "Mera Mera Mera” by Khaled Zedan

The Abdullah Al-Mohsen Award for Best First Film: “Sharshoura” by Ahmed Alnasser

Best short narrative GCC award: “Delusion” by Issa Al-Subhi

Documentary award: “Othman in the Vatican” by Yasser bin Ghanem

Best GCC Documentary award: “The Dark Side of Japan” by Omar Farooq.

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