The Saudi Film Forum launches its fourth edition in Riyadh

The fourth edition of the Saudi Film Forum was launched at JAX Film Studios in Riyadh, under the slogan “Meeting the Scene Makers,” and will last for two days, bringing together sector leaders, decision makers, professionals, and specialists.

In its new edition, the Forum continues its role as a major catalyst in empowering and developing the film industry in the Kingdom, and enhancing investment opportunities and partnerships in this vital sector, in line with the National Strategy for Culture based on “Saudi Vision 2030.”

The forum includes a conference that includes dialogue sessions, an exhibition of companies related to the film sector, in addition to specialized workshops, allowing participants to exchange knowledge and experiences, and communicate with entities and companies working in the industry.

The conference began its sessions on the main stage, with a meeting entitled “Media and Film: How do two sectors create one growth story?”, with the participation of the CEO of the Media Regulatory Authority, Dr. Abdul Latif Al Abdul Latif, the CEO of the Film Authority, Engineer Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Qahtani, and its media management, Taghreed Al-Huwaish.

The current edition is scheduled to witness the launch of the “Saudi Film Industry Annual Report 2025,” which reviews the most prominent performance indicators of the film sector in the country, its achievements and developments.

The forum will witness the signing of an agreement to deposit the collection of Saudi artist Abdullah Al-Sadhan in the National Film Archive.

On the other hand, Egyptian director Hala Lotfy said that the film “There Is No Man Who Cries” is a bold attempt to make a film outside traditional frameworks. She confirmed in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat that independent cinema in Egypt does not receive the attention of the state, even though it represents the true face of Egyptian cinema.

Lotfy added that she will return to directing in her next film in 2027, noting that her experience in production through the “Hasala” company was aimed at supporting her fellow serious filmmakers.

In a related context, Sotheby’s is preparing to hold an auction in Geneva on November 11, where the historic “Romanov ruby” belonging to Empress Maria Feodorovna will be displayed, with expectations that its price will reach 1.5 million pounds sterling, along with other historical pieces such as the Devonshire Crown.