Arab News: DHAHRAN: Originally slated for April 23-29, the 12th Saudi Film Festival will now take place between June 25-July 1. 

Organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, Ithra headquarters in Dhahran will play host once again. 

‏This year's festival explores the theme of “Cinema of the Journey,” presenting a curated selection of Arab and international films — both short and feature-length — that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements. 

‏As with previous programs highlighting non-Saudi cinema, this year's festival will present a special “Spotlight on Korean Cinema.” 

‎‏On this occasion, Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, stated: “This year's festival creates an atmosphere filled with inspiration, idea exchange, and shared learning. It's a celebration of cinematic creativity for everyone.”

‏Tariq Al-Khawaji, Deputy Director of the Saudi Film Festival, added: “At Ithra, we're proud of our long-standing partnership with the Cinema Association. It has enabled the festival's growth and thematic diversity year after year, which we see clearly in how we empower filmmakers and create opportunities to engage with global cinema.”

‎‏Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has served as a key driver of Saudi and Gulf cinema and is the longest-running film festival in the Kingdom. After several gaps, it has now become an annual event. 

The festival brings together narrative and documentary film competitions, professional development programs, a production market, and project competitions. And, of course, plenty of screenings of films at the various Ithra screens, with many of their stars walking the red carpet and film producers scouting for talent.