Saudi Film Festival 2026 has unveiled the jury members for its upcoming competitions, bringing together a distinguished group of filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, and Europe.
The festival will take place from June 25 to July 1, 2026, at King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) under the theme “Cinema of the Journey” and the slogan “Every Story is a Journey.”
International Names Lead Feature Film Jury
The feature film competition jury will be chaired by Spanish filmmaker Guillermo Galoe, an award-winning rising figure in European cinema.
Joining him are Syrian actor Jihad Abdo and Saudi filmmaker Abdulaziz Alshlahei, known for his contributions to the growth of Saudi cinema on the international stage.
Short Film and Documentary Competitions
The short film jury will be led by Beatrice Fiorentino, artistic director of Venice International Critics’ Week, alongside Algerian filmmaker Yanis Koussim and Saudi actor Baraa Alem.
Meanwhile, the documentary competition jury will be chaired by Italian director and producer Stefano Savona, joined by Sudanese filmmaker Marwa Zein and Saudi film critic Ahmed Al-Ayad.
Supporting Saudi Cinema’s Growth
The selection of prominent international and regional industry figures highlights the festival’s growing reputation as one of the leading cinema platforms in the region.
The Saudi Film Festival continues to support emerging Saudi talent, encourage cultural exchange, and strengthen the Kingdom’s cinematic ecosystem in line with Vision 2030 objectives.
The festival has already announced its production market selections, competition entries, and accompanying programs, further reinforcing its role in developing Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding film industry.
