Latest news with #SaudiFilmCommission
Broadcast Pro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Saudi Film Commission announces third annual Film Criticism Conference
This year's theme encourages reflection on how cinema represents 'place' not just as a physical location, but as a vessel for identity, storytelling and shared visual memory. Saudi Film Commission has announced the launch of the third annual Film Criticism Conference, set to take place under the theme 'Cinema: the Art of Place.' This year's edition will unfold across three cultural centres, beginning in Asir in August, followed by Qatif in October and concluding in Riyadh in November, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Positioned as more than just a traditional event, the conference is part of the Commission's broader vision to establish an inclusive, interactive platform for film critics, researchers, filmmakers and emerging Saudi talents. It aims to deepen the intellectual engagement with cinema in the Kingdom and nurture a critical discourse around it. The programme will feature a variety of components, including educational sessions, hands-on workshops and curated art exhibitions. These events are designed to provide both practical skills and theoretical insights, enriching the local cinematic ecosystem. Central to this year's theme is an exploration of the relationship between cinema and place, viewing location not merely as a backdrop, but as a narrative force, a marker of identity and a visual expression that can either ground stories in reality or elevate them into the realm of imagination. The conference will open space for diverse critical and philosophical interpretations of how 'place' functions within film, inviting voices that examine its symbolic, reflective and conceptual roles. By focusing on this theme, the event continues to evolve as a hub for critical engagement, reaffirming its importance in the regional cultural landscape. Last year's conference drew more than 10,000 attendees from over 30 countries and featured contributions from more than 35 local and international organisations, alongside prominent critics, directors and scholars, an indication of its growing impact and international relevance.
Zawya
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Saudi films earn $26.66mln at box office in 2025
RIYADH — Saudi films have generated over SR100 million in box office revenue since the beginning of 2025, reflecting the rapid growth of the Kingdom's film industry and growing audience trust in local content. According to the Saudi Film Commission, eight local productions captured 19% of total box office share this year. These included Shabab Al-Bomb 2, Hobal, Al-Zarfa, Is'af, Fakhr Al-Suwaidi, Leil Nahar, Saifi, and Tashwish. During the week of July 13–19, Saudi cinemas recorded SR26 million in total ticket sales. Leading the charts was the American film F1 The Movie with SR26.3 million, followed by the Saudi film Al-Zarfa with SR22.6 million. Superman ranked third with SR7.7 million, while the Egyptian film Ahmed and Ahmed came in fourth with SR3.5 million. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Saudi Gazette
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi films earn SR100 million at box office in 2025
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi films have generated over SR100 million in box office revenue since the beginning of 2025, reflecting the rapid growth of the Kingdom's film industry and growing audience trust in local content. According to the Saudi Film Commission, eight local productions captured 19% of total box office share this year. These included Shabab Al-Bomb 2, Hobal, Al-Zarfa, Is'af, Fakhr Al-Suwaidi, Leil Nahar, Saifi, and Tashwish. During the week of July 13–19, Saudi cinemas recorded SR26 million in total ticket sales. Leading the charts was the American film F1 The Movie with SR26.3 million, followed by the Saudi film Al-Zarfa with SR22.6 million. Superman ranked third with SR7.7 million, while the Egyptian film Ahmed and Ahmed came in fourth with SR3.5 million.
Broadcast Pro
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Saudi comedy ‘Alzarfa' tops local box office, outperforming global hits
Alzarfa attracted 184,000 admissions and generated a box office gross of $2.4m within its first three days of release, according to data from the Saudi Film Commission. Saudi comedy Alzarfa: Escape from Hanhounia Hell has taken the lead at the Saudi Arabian box office over the weekend, outperforming major international releases Jurassic World Rebirth and F1: The Movie. The film, a wild heist adventure about three friends attempting to steal a treasure known as 'The Golden Rashrash' from a museum owned by an eccentric billionaire, claimed the number one spot with 213,000 admissions and a box office haul of $2.7m in its first three days, according to figures from leading regional distributor Italia Film. In comparison, Jurassic World Rebirth trailed significantly, landing in third place with 55,000 admissions and earnings of just over $800,000 in its debut weekend. Meanwhile, F1: The Movie, now in its second week, secured the second spot with 70,000 admissions and a $1.2m weekend total, pushing its cumulative gross in the kingdom to $3.8m. Alzarfa, produced by Saudi production companies Alshimaisi Films and Telfaz11 in partnership with Big Time Fund and distributed by Qanawat, is the latest local hit following their previous blockbuster Sattar, which grossed over $10m in 2023, becoming the highest-earning Saudi film since commercial cinemas reopened in 2017 after a 35-year ban. Blending elements of a heist film with a metafilm twist, Alzarfa follows the three protagonists from a failed robbery attempt to a surprising turn of events in which they become part of a film being produced by the same tycoon they had targeted. The fictional movie, depicting the tycoon's family history, is shot in the very locations tied to the treasure they had hoped to steal. Marking the feature directorial debut of Abdullah Majed—known for his short film Safraa's Night and the TV drama Ureem: Balcony Hotel—Alzarfa features a cast including Mohammed Shaif, Hamed Sharari, Ahmed Al-Kaabi, and Ibrahim Alkhairallah, along with a cameo from American actor Robert Knepper of Prison Break fame. Following its successful Saudi launch, the film is set to roll out across the region in the coming weeks. Its strong local performance reflects a growing trend in Saudi Arabia's evolving film industry, where homegrown titles are increasingly dominating box office charts. Earlier this year, Abdulaziz Alshlahei's period drama Hobal similarly outshone Hollywood competitors like Mufasa: The Lion King, Flight Risk, and Den of Thieves 2: Pantera in Saudi cinemas. With the country's annual box office stabilizing at around $200–$250 million, Saudi productions are proving they can compete head-to-head with international franchises. In a statement, executive producer and Alshimaisi Films CEO Ibrahim Alkhairallah said: 'It's incredibly exciting to see another Saudi film take the lead during a packed summer slate. Following the success of Sattar, Alzarfa is further proof that audiences are craving locally-rooted stories told in our own voice but on a scale that can rival the biggest global titles.'
Broadcast Pro
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Saudi Film Commission to join Shanghai Film Festival 2025
Through its participation, the commission seeks to deepen cultural collaboration, expand global partnerships, and showcase the Kingdom's scenic and cinematic landscapes. Saudi Film Commission has confirmed its participation in the 2025 edition of the Shanghai International Film Festival, aiming to deepen cultural collaboration with China, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Scheduled to run from June 13 to 22, the Shanghai festival is China's largest and the only one in the country accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). By taking part in the event, the Saudi Film Commission intends to enhance international partnerships, promote the Kingdom's diverse and visually striking filming locations, and spotlight its geographic and cinematic appeal. The commission also plans to explore co-production and distribution opportunities that could expand the reach of Saudi films within the Chinese market. As part of its involvement, the commission will host a Saudi pavilion during the festival's market segment from June 21 to 25. The pavilion will present various programmes and initiatives while serving as a hub for networking with global industry professionals. A delegation from Saudi Arabia will attend to showcase the Kingdom's growing film industry and its competitive advantages, reinforcing its potential as a vibrant center for filmmaking and cross-border collaboration.
