EU Delegation to Saudi Arabia and Arabia Pictures Launch the 4th European Film Festival in Riyadh

EU Delegation to Saudi Arabia and Arabia Pictures Launch the 4th European Film Festival in Riyadh

The Delegation of the European Union to Saudi Arabia, in partnership with EU Member States’ Embassies and Arabia Pictures, organised the 4^th edition of the European Film Festival from 3 to 11 November 2025 at VOX Cinemas in Riyadh.

This year’s edition showcased 15 award-winning films from EU Member States, Switzerland, Ukraine and Norway including titles honoured at the Cannes, Locarno and Berlin film festivals, the Goya Awards and the Academy Awards. The festival continues to promote European cinema in the Kingdom and foster cultural dialogue between European and Saudi film professionals.

The opening ceremony was attended by prominent Saudi actors, directors and industry professionals. H.E. Christophe Farnaud, Ambassador of the European Union to Saudi Arabia, delivered welcoming remarks together with several ambassadors of EU Member States.

The festival opened with the Latvian animated feature “Flow”, winner of the 2025 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, including in presence of the visual effects’ artist of the film Mr. Martins Upitis.  

This initiative further strengthens cultural ties between the EU and Saudi Arabia and offers European colleagues and their families in the region an excellent opportunity to engage with outstanding contemporary European.