Saudi film festival draws over 2,200 entries from around the globe

Event highlights Saudi filmmaking talent and global connections as part of Vision 2030

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) –The 12th edition of Saudi Arabia’s Effat International Student Film Festival is underway at Effat University in Jeddah, spotlighting the creative talents of the Kingdom’s emerging filmmakers alongside student productions from around the world.

Running until April 15 under the theme “From Dream to Film,” the festival received over 2,200 submissions from 90 countries, with entries also coming from 10 Saudi universities, reported Arab News. 

A total of 89 films from 28 countries were shortlisted for the final competition, where winners will share prizes totaling more than $13,333.

Dr. Mohamed Ghazala, director of the festival and head of the university’s School of Cinematic Arts, emphasized that the event is driven by passion and a commitment to storytelling, rather than profit.

“It’s not about the money; it’s about uplifting filmmakers and nurturing a vibrant community,” he told Arab News.

He compared the festival’s organization to filmmaking itself, describing it as “an exciting journey filled with hard work and joy.” 

Ghazala added that the festival’s success comes not from large budgets, but from a shared love of cinema and the courage to tell meaningful stories.

The student-led nature of the event was also spotlighted by Jala Jalal, head of the student cinematic club, who called the festival “a celebration of our creativity and growth as filmmakers.” 

Jalal said the platform offers young creatives an opportunity to connect with the industry both locally and internationally.

The festival is honoring several prominent figures from the international and Saudi film industries. 

Honorees include Saudi directors Abdullah Al-Muheisen and Khalid Al-Harbi, Saudi actor and producer Hassan Assiri, British animator Joanna Quinn, and Egyptian academic Prof. Ghada Gabara. Others recognized hail from the US, China, and Japan.

Friedrich Kluetsch, head of the documentary jury, noted that the Saudi films had a unique voice and strong emotional ties to local communities. 

“There was a palpable joy in discovering the filmmakers’ surroundings,” he said, highlighting a trend of introspective storytelling in the Saudi entries.

The event also includes workshops and seminars led by industry professionals from Netflix, Sony, MBC Academy, and Toon Boom Animation. 

Academic partners from institutions such as the University of Southern California and the Communication University of China have also contributed lectures on directing, sound production, and film distribution.

An open dialogue featuring Hassan Assiri and hosted by media figure Suha Al-Waal at Hayy Jameel explored the evolution of Saudi cinema and the expanding opportunities for local talent. 

Assiri, who is being honored for his contributions to Saudi drama, discussed the increasing international visibility of Saudi productions.

Dr. Haifa Jamal Al-Lail, president of Effat University, stressed that the festival supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by cultivating a creative industry and positioning the Kingdom as a cultural hub. 

“This festival plays a pivotal role in creating connections between young filmmakers worldwide,” she said.

Dr. Asmaa Ibrahim, dean of the College of Architecture and Design, noted the rising reputation of the event. “It’s now the largest festival of its kind in the Arab world in terms of both the quality of films and the specialized focus on student filmmakers,” she said.

With its growing global presence and emphasis on student creativity, the Effat International Student Film Festival continues to shine a light on the emerging voices shaping the future of Saudi cinema.