RIYADH: The fourth edition of the European Film Festival began on Monday in Riyadh, featuring 15 films from as many European countries — all subtitled in Arabic and English — until Nov. 11.
The bridge-building event has been organized by the Delegation of the EU to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Arabia Pictures, VOX Cinemas, the Saudi Film Commission, as well as embassies of member states.
On Monday, ambassadors, media representatives and other individuals were shown the Latvian film “Flow,” winner of the 2025 Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
On Tuesday, the festival screened Norwegian film “Titina” and Spanish film “EL 47.”
Christophe Farnaud, ambassador of the EU to Saudi Arabia, said: “Four years on, the festival has become a landmark on Saudi Arabia’s cultural calendar.”
He added that it is “a vibrant bridge of EU-Saudi cooperation that celebrates Europe’s storytelling heritage alongside the Kingdom’s rise as a global creative powerhouse.”
During the opening ceremony, Farnaud highlighted the festival’s role in fostering dialogue between European and Saudi Arabia filmmakers.
He said “cinema is one of the most powerful forms of art — it makes us dream, laugh, and cry. It connects people across cultures.”
Abdulilah Alahmary, founder of Arabia Pictures, said: “We were thrilled to bring another outstanding lineup of European cinema to Saudi audiences, enriched with special guests and free masterclasses.”
The festival features interactive seminars and masterclasses led by prominent filmmakers from Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Among the highlights were Visual Effects Artist Martins Upitis, who contributed to “Flow,” and Norwegian director Kajsa Naess, known for the acclaimed animated film “Titina.”
Speaking to Arab News, Upitis said: “This is my first time in Saudi Arabia, and it’s such an honor to be part of the European Film Festival in Riyadh. I hope audiences here enjoy ‘Flow’ as much as we enjoyed creating it.”
