The Saudi Film Festival is preparing to launch its 12th edition from June 26 to July 2, 2026, under the theme “Every Story is a Journey,” continuing its role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry and creative talent.
Organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) and supported by the Film Commission, the festival remains one of Saudi Arabia’s leading platforms for filmmakers and cinema professionals.
Haifaa Al-Mansour Named Honored Personality of the Year
Saudi filmmaker Haifaa Al-Mansour will be honored as the festival’s featured personality this year in recognition of her pioneering contributions to Saudi cinema.
The recognition celebrates her remarkable artistic journey and her influential role in shaping the modern Saudi film industry both regionally and internationally.
A Career That Began Early
Haifaa Al-Mansour is widely recognized as Saudi Arabia’s first female film director.
She began her filmmaking journey early with the short film “Who?” in 1997, before achieving a historic breakthrough with her landmark film “Wadjda” in 2012.
“Wadjda” marked a major turning point in Saudi cinema history, becoming the first Saudi feature film shot entirely inside the Kingdom.
It also became the first Saudi film to reach the preliminary nominations for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2013.
The film represented a defining moment for Saudi cinema on the global stage.
Growing International Presence
Al-Mansour’s career expanded far beyond local productions, establishing her as one of the most influential Arab filmmakers internationally.
Among her notable global works is “Mary Shelley,” alongside several important international projects and festival appearances.
In 2015, she was selected as a jury member for the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival, further strengthening Saudi cinema’s visibility on the global stage.
Recognition Beyond Individual Achievement
This recognition goes beyond celebrating personal success.
It reflects appreciation for Al-Mansour’s pioneering role in developing Saudi Arabia’s film industry, empowering women in cinema, and presenting a modern image of Saudi storytelling to the world.
Her career mirrors the broader transformation taking place within Saudi Arabia’s cultural and creative sectors.
Saudi Cinema Continues Its Journey
The 12th edition of the festival, themed “Every Story is a Journey,” symbolically reflects the rapid growth of Saudi cinema in recent years.
The Kingdom’s film sector has witnessed major progress in production, infrastructure, and talent development.
The Saudi Film Festival continues to play a central role in this journey by providing a platform that brings together filmmakers, creatives, and audiences to shape the future of Saudi cinema.
