Riyadh: The fourth European Film Festival opened yesterday in Riyadh. Featuring 15 films representing 15 countries from across the continent, the festival offers a panorama that highlights the diversity of European cinematic creativity and artistic traditions.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the event runs until November 11. It is organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in cooperation with the embassies of EU member states, Arabia Pictures, and VOX Cinemas, with the support of the Film Commission.
The festival opened with the Oscar-winning Latvian film Flow. The organizers have ensured that all screenings will be accompanied by Arabic and English subtitles, providing an accessible and enriching experience for local audiences.
EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Christophe Farnaud expressed his delight at the festival's continued growth, noting that, in its fourth year, it has become a fixture on Saudi Arabia's cultural calendar and a vital bridge of cooperation between the European Union and the Kingdom, celebrating Europe's storytelling heritage alongside Saudi Arabia's rise as a global creative force.
The program includes screenings of internationally acclaimed films and interactive sessions bringing together filmmakers from Europe and Saudi Arabia. Among the featured guests are visual effects artist Martin‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬¦¡ Upitis, who contributed to Flow's Oscar win for best animated feature in 2025, and Norwegian filmmaker Kajsa N¦ss, Titina's director, alongside several prominent Saudi artists.