Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 4 November 2025 – Yesterday evening, the Opening Ceremony of the 4th edition of the European Film Festival in Saudi Arabia took place at VOX Cinemas Roshn Front, in the presence of a large number of Saudi stars and film professionals.
The guests were welcomed by H.E. Christophe Farnaud, EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and Mr. Abdulilah Alahmary, founder of Arabia Pictures, alongside the Ambassadors of EU Member States and numerous Saudi and international media representatives.
Following the blue carpet reception and welcome speeches, the Oscar-winning Latvian movie “Flow” (Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2025) by director Gints Zilbalodis was screened as the Festival’s opening film. The film’s Visual Effects Artist Martins Upitis attended the ceremony, along with acclaimed Norwegian animation filmmaker Kajsa Næss, whose film “Titina” will also feature in the Festival.
The 4th European Film Festival runs from 3 to 11 November at VOX Cinemas Century Corner in Riyadh. The event is organized by the Delegation of the European Union in Riyadh, in close cooperation with the Embassies of EU Member States and Arabia Pictures, and supported by the Saudi Film Commission and VOX Cinemas.
This year’s edition features 15 outstanding films from across Europe – including Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Portugal, Latvia, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Ukraine. Many of these films have received awards from Cannes, Locarno, Goya, David di Donatello, Jussi, and the Oscars.
All screenings are subtitled in English and Arabic, offering Saudi audiences an immersive European cinematic experience.
The Festival aims to foster cultural exchange and creative collaboration between European and Saudi artists. Two special side-events will also be held:
Immersive Visions: The Role of VR in the Future of Filmmaking” – 4 November, 5:30 PM (with Martins Upitis)
Animation Films: Surpassing Geography and Age” – 5 November, 5:30 PM (with Kajsa Næss)
Both events take place at VOX Cinemas Century Corner, sponsored by the Saudi Film Commission, and are free of charge with online registration encouraged.
Now in its fourth year, the European Film Festival has become a key fixture in Saudi Arabia’s cultural calendar, serving as a bridge of EU-Saudi cooperation and a celebration of cinematic diversity and storytelling heritage.
