RIYADH (Report: Rana Azeem)
The fifth edition of the European Film Festival was officially inaugurated in Riyadh, bringing together diplomats, filmmakers, cultural figures and distinguished guests to celebrate European cinema and cultural diversity.
At the opening ceremony, Christophe Farnaud, Ambassador of the European Union to Saudi Arabia, welcomed diplomatic representatives, prominent personalities from the film industry and other distinguished guests.
Organised through a collaboration between the Delegation of the European Union, embassies of EU member states, Areeba Pictures, VOX Cinemas and the Saudi Film Commission, the festival is taking place at VOX Cinemas, Century Corner, Riyadh, from November 3 to 10. The programme features 16 selected films from 16 European countries, offering Saudi audiences an opportunity to explore internationally acclaimed cinema and diverse European storytelling.
The festival aims to strengthen cultural relations between Saudi Arabia and Europe while introducing local audiences to European cinema, artistic traditions and filmmaking perspectives.
Addressing the opening ceremony, EU Ambassador Christophe Farnaud said that after five editions, the European Film Festival had become an important and established part of Riyadh’s cultural landscape. He highlighted that the festival brings Europe’s finest stories to Saudi audiences while creating opportunities for dialogue and cooperation among filmmakers, particularly at a time when Saudi Arabia’s film industry is experiencing remarkable growth.
Abdulilah Alahmari, Founder of Areeba Pictures, expressed his pride in organising the fifth edition, highlighting the selection of 16 outstanding European films recognised at prestigious international platforms, including Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Sundance and the Academy Awards. He also noted that the programme includes masterclasses and panel discussions with filmmakers.
Among the major highlights is the Oscar-winning Danish documentary Mr. Nobody Against Putin. The selection also includes La Grazia, directed by renowned Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino, which opened the 2025 Venice Film Festival. Its lead actor, Toni Servillo, received the Best Actor award.
Other featured productions include Hold Onto Me from Cyprus, winner of the Sundance Audience Award, and Maria’s Silence from Latvia, selected for the Berlin International Film Festival. The latter tells the true story of silent-film star Maria Leiko.
In addition to public screenings, three special accompanying programmes will bring Saudi and European filmmakers together to exchange knowledge, discuss filmmaking and explore opportunities for creative cooperation between the two cultures.
The films are being presented with Arabic and English subtitles to ensure accessibility for a wider audience.
The European Film Festival is widely regarded as an important cultural platform connecting Saudi Arabia and Europe. As the Kingdom’s film industry continues to expand, the festival provides an opportunity for local audiences and filmmakers to engage with international cinema, creative talent and diverse cultural perspectives.
