Review: ‘CineHouse’ in Riyadh

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Updated 29 March 2025
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Review: ‘CineHouse’ in Riyadh

  • The movie offering is rich and diverse

If you love cinema but are tired of the same old blockbusters showing at the major chains, then CineHouse in Riyadh’s Ar-Rabi district could be just what the doctor ordered this Eid holiday.

Opened late last year by Saudi producer Faisal Baltyuor, the city’s first ever art house cinema has become a haven for movie enthusiasts keen to see classic, modern and cult favorites in a stylish setting.

Located in One Square, CineHouse’s three screening rooms have an elegant, old-school charm, with art deco lamps, marble floors and vintage film posters.

Each room also has fewer seats than a standard cinema, which adds to the comfort and coziness. But with 4K laser projectors and an Atmos sound system the audio and visuals are top quality.

The movie offering is rich and diverse. Recent screenings include classics such as “12 Angry Men” and “Silence of the Lambs” and more modern fare such as Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar” and last year’s Palestinian indie favorite “Passing Dreams.”

The venue also hosted Korean Film Week and recently screened a selection of popular Arab shorts, including “Dunya’s Day,” “I Am Afraid to Forget Your Face” and “Al-Sit.”

As well as the cinematic offerings, CineHouse serves up an excellent choice of dining options, including steaks and pasta, all feshly prepared to order.

Tickets range from SR80-100 ($21-27).

 


Iraqi director nominated at Directors Guild of America Awards for ‘The President’s Cake’

Updated 10 January 2026
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Iraqi director nominated at Directors Guild of America Awards for ‘The President’s Cake’

DUBAI: Iraqi director Hasan Hadi this week received a Directors Guild of America Awards nomination for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in First-Time Theatrical Feature Film for his debut, “The President’s Cake.”

Set in 1990s Iraq, the film follows Lamia, a young girl tasked with preparing a birthday cake for the country’s leader — a mandatory assignment that places her under intense pressure. As she races to gather the ingredients, the stakes grow higher, with the threat of serious consequences if she fails.

Hadi’s film is shortlisted in the category alongside Eva Victor for “Sorry, Baby,” Alex Russell for “Lurker,” Charlie Polinger for “The Plague,” and Harry Lighton for “Pillion.”

Also in the running for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in a Theatrical Feature Film are Guillermo del Toro for “Frankenstein,” Chloe Zhao for “Hamnet,” Ryan Coogler for “Sinners,”Josh Safdie for “Marty Supreme,” and Paul Thomas Anderson for “One Battle After Another.”

“The President’s Cake” has also been shortlisted for the Academy Award for International Feature Film.