Riyadh and Jeddah Set to Host Third European Film Festival
The highly anticipated third European Film Festival is set to kick off next week, marking the first time the event will take place in both Riyadh and Jeddah. Running from May 29 to June 6, the festival is a collaboration between the European Union Delegation to the Kingdom, the embassies of EU member states, and Arabia Pictures.
Excitement is brewing as the festival will be held at VOX Cinemas Century Corner in Riyadh and the newly opened VOX Cinemas Jeddah Park in Jeddah. This year’s lineup boasts a record-breaking 21 European films from a variety of countries such as Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, and more.
Film enthusiasts can expect to see award-winning movies, including those that have received Oscars and the prestigious Palme d’Or from the Cannes Film Festival. EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Christophe Farnaud, expressed his enthusiasm for the festival’s growth and expansion, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange through cinema.
CEO of Arabia Pictures, Ahmed Teama, praised the festival as a significant cultural event in the Kingdom, attracting a dedicated audience of international cinema lovers. The festival aims to not only showcase European cinema but also promote connections between European and Saudi filmmakers.
Special guests at the festival will include Oscar-winning Austrian director Stefan Ruzowitzky, who will be leading a masterclass. Additionally, directors and filmmakers from countries like Cyprus, the Netherlands, and Ireland will be in attendance for open conversations with audiences.
All side events at the festival are free of charge and will take place at VOX Cinemas Century Corner in Riyadh. Cinema enthusiast Meshal Al-Mutairi shared his excitement for the festival, praising the diverse movie selection.
For more information on the festival program and ticket purchases, visit the official website at https://arabiapictures.sa/EuroFest or https://ksa.voxcinemas.com