Delegation of the EU to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia presents
Sixteen films from sixteen European countries, presented in Riyadh for the festival's 5th edition.
The Films · 2026
Europe on screenSixteen storiesAll in Riyadh
A continent-wide selection of drama, documentary and bold new cinema, gathered in Riyadh.
THE TRAILER
A first look at sixteen films from sixteen European countries at VOX Century Corner, Riyadh.
THE FILMS
SIXTEEN FILMS. SIXTEEN COUNTRIES. ONE FESTIVAL.
THE FESTIVAL
European Film Festival was first established in 2022, organised by the European Union Delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Arabia Pictures. The festival aims at creating a cross-cultural conversation, by utilising one of the most universal languages mankind has known; cinema.
In addition to offering a chance for European films to be screened and promoted to Arab audiences, European Film Festival also plays a key role in showcasing aspiring local talent and exposing it to the international market. Moreover, it serves as a platform for European and Saudi filmmakers to connect, exchanging their experiences, hopes, challenges, and ambitions.
While creating a buzzing conversation between the aspiring filmmakers from both sides of the world, the festival also enhances the industry in both regions, allowing filmmakers to join forces, creating opportunities to learn, create, and collaborate on projects.
THE ORGANIZERS
The Delegation of the European Union to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain opened in Riyadh in 2004. The EU Delegation is also representing the EU vis-à-vis the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). The EU Delegation works on many areas of cooperation between EU and Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain as well as the GCC, including political dialogue, economic and trade issues, regional security, education as well as climate change and transition to green energy/economy.
Arabia Pictures is a multifaceted media and entertainment company based in Saudi Arabia. With a young team of creatives, the company is dedicated to: Film Production, Distribution, Training, Events Management and Advertising. Embracing the local culture at its core. Arabia Pictures aims to keep nurturing talent, supporting film appreciation, building a vibrant film industry, creating original and enthralling multiplatform content, and generating a sustainable business within the realm of entertainment.
THE SELECTION
From thought-provoking documentaries to moving works of fiction, the 5th edition of the European Film Festival brings together a vibrant collection of stories. The films explore themes of resilience, women’s empowerment and the importance of protecting our environment, while offering audiences moments of adventure, warmth and humour. We look forward to welcoming you to Riyadh for a memorable celebration of European cinema.
SIDE EVENTS
7 NOV · 4:30 PM–5:30 PM
Co-producing with Europe
A free 45-minute lecture with open Q&A on Arab–European film co-production, for producers and directors in fiction and documentary. It covers how European financing is assembled, what European partners expect, and how Saudi producers can use their position.
Speaker: Bojan Mastilović - Co-Producer
Date: Saturday 7 November 2026
Venue: VOX Cinema, Century Corner, Riyadh
Language: English
6 NOV · 4:30 PM–5:30 PM
Side Event 2
Side Event 2 Description
SPONSORS
EMBASSIES
PROGRAMME
Official screenings and festival events at VOX Century Corner, Riyadh. Film runtimes are shown separately in The Films section.