Saudi Arabian films and Saudi-made films are becoming increasingly more visible on the international stage.

From AlUla earning it a place on the Screen International shortlist for 'City of Film', to Hijra being chosen to represent the Kingdom in the 'Best of International Feature Film' section at the Oscars, Both Saudi films and Saudi-supported productions are coming into their prime and finally achieving global recognition and status.

Hijra Film 2

Hobal saudi film via red sea film festival

Still images from Hijra (L) and Hobal (R): Red Sea Film

The cultural dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Spain has reached a new milestone with the launch of Saudi Film Nights, a strategic initiative organised by the Saudi Film Commission. Taking place across three major cities in Spain - Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona, the film event serves as a reciprocal celebration of cinema following the "Ithra Cultural Days: Live Spain" festival held earlier this year in Dhahran. By bringing a curated selection of Saudi productions to Spanish soil, the commission aims to foster a deeper understanding of the Kingdom’s contemporary identity while building long-term bridges between the two nations’ burgeoning audiovisual industries.

Spain via unsplash joan-oger

Spain via unsplash d-jonez

Saudi film night spain via ig 2

Saudi film night spain via ig 3

Saudi film night spain via ig 1

Throughout the tour, audiences will have the rare opportunity to engage with the creators themselves, including screenings of Hijra featuring cast member Khairiya Nazmi and Mera, Mera, Mera with award-winning director Khaled Zidan, alongside other notable titles such as GUM and Hobal.

Madrid at Palacio de Prensa: Wednesday, April 22
Madrid at Cine Golem: Thursday, April 23
Barcelona at Renoir Florida Blanca: Saturday, April 25 & Sunday, April 26
Seville at Odeon Plaza de Armas: Tuesday, April 28

The Saudi Film Nights program will offer Spanish film fanatics a look into the various genres currently thriving within the Saudi industry. The scheduled lineup features a mix of narrative features that have gained international acclaim at festivals like the Red Sea International Film Festival, alongside award-winning shorts exploring the Kingdom’s unique geography — from the streets of Jeddah to the vastness of AlUla — as a central character. These films move away from traditional tropes, instead focusing on themes of social transformation, desert noir, and the complexities of urban life in a rapidly changing society.

Saudi Film Nights Spain, from April 22 - 28, 2026
Madrid - April 22 & 23, 2026
Barcelona - April 25 & 26, 2026
Seville - April 28, 2026
@saudifilmnights @filmmoc
Buy your tickets here

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