Lights, camera, cross-culture!
Got that cinephile in you? Prepare to unleash it because the European Film Festival in Riyadh is returning.
The Kingdom’s film scene has been on the rise. From finalizing the first-ever open format Oscars submission to the Saudi Film Confex which saw stars like Johnny Depp and more grace the main stage, it is a good time to be a film lover in Saudi.
Building on that momentum, the fourth edition of the European Film Festival has been announced.
Set to begin in November, the nine-day long celebration will bring over 10 movies from 15 different European nations.
The film festival is considered to be a cultural staple and is organised by the European Union Delegation along with Arabia Pictures, the EU Embassies, and VOX Cinemas.
So, grab your popcorn and prepare to enjoy moving tales from across the European union. Here is everything to know about the upcoming festival.
The European Film Festival in Riyadh 2025
The European Film Festival, first launched in 2022 by the EU Delegation to Saudi Arabia in collaboration with Arabia Pictures, is all about celebrating cinema as the universal language it truly is. The festival shines a spotlight on European films, bringing them to Arab audiences while building a bridge between two vibrant creative worlds through storytelling, art, and shared human experiences.
But it’s not just about movie premieres and red carpets, the festival also champions local Saudi talent, giving up-and-coming filmmakers the chance to showcase their work on an international stage. It’s a space where European and Saudi creatives come together to swap ideas, share ambitions, and spark collaborations that fuel the growing film industry in both regions. Think of it as a melting pot of creativity, inspiration, and cinematic magic.
The European Film Festival in Riyadh 2025 location
The fourth edition of the film festival will take over the VOX Cinemas in Century Corner, the same lifestyle complex that is home to beloved restaurants Nozomi and Swiss Butter.
The European Film Festival in Riyadh 2025 dates
Starting from Monday, November 3, the all-things-cinema celebration will bring nine days of nonstop cross-cultural fun before screening the final movie on Tuesday, November 11.
The European Film Festival in Riyadh 2025 tickets
Tickets for the festival have gone live on ksa.voxcinemas.com for only SAR35.
Films shown at the European Film Festival in Riyadh 2025
The festival will be bringing you 15 European movies from 15 European countries including Oscar-winning animation Flow.
- Titina: Tuesday, November 4, 7pm
- El 47: Tuesday, November 4, 9.15pm
- Flow: Wednesday, November 5, 7pm
- The Secret of Pin-Up Island: Wednesday, November 5, 9pm
- The Sock: Thursday, November 6, 7pm
- Moon: Thursday, November 6, 9pm
- We Believe You: Friday, November 7, 7pm
- Sons: Friday, November 7, 9pm
- Living Large: Saturday, November 8, 7pm
- There is Still Tomorrow: Saturday, November 8, 9pm
- O Pai Tirano: Sunday, November 9, 7pm
- Dog on Tail: Sunday, November 9, 9.15pm
- Je’vida: Monday, November 10, 7pm
- Watch the Skies: Monday, November 10, 9pm
- Us, Our Pets And The War: Tuesday, November 11, 7pm
- 13 Days, 13 Nights: Tuesday, November 11, 9pm
Saudi and culture
If you are looking to explore some Saudi culture, check out the Marvels of the Saudi Orchestra concert happening in November. A fan of musicals? Wicked the Musical Saudi debut has been set for December.
SAR35. Mon Nov 3-Tue Nov 11. Vox Cinema, Century Corner, ksa.voxcinemas.com.
