European Film Festival begins today in Riyadh & Jeddah

Returning for its third edition, the European Film Festival will showcase homegrown and indie-style films in both Jeddah and Riyadh, from May 29 through to June 6.

Solidifying its position within the global film industry, Saudi Arabia continues to take on Hollywood when it comes to producing top class productions and has become the go-to destination for multi-million dollar movie deals in the Middle East.

Just this month, Film AlUla and NEOM were recognised at the Global Production Awards in Cannes having been awarded two prizes and a special commendation. And at the 77th edition of the internationally acclaimed Cannes Film Festival. Norah became the first ever Saudi made film, directed by a Saudi national, with an all Saudi cast to be screened at the exclusive film awards. It even received a rousing standing ovation after its premiere at the Debussy Theatre, and was later awarded a Special Mention by the Un Certain Regard Jury.

Returning the favour, and giving smaller, feature films an international stage, and a presence in the Middle East, VOX Cinemas will show 21 films from 21 different European countries.

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The movies will be shown in VOX Cinema Century Corner in Riyadh, and also in VOX Cinema Jeddah Park, the film festival comes as a collaboration between with the European Union Delegation in the GCC, embassies of the selected EU member states with Arabia Pictures.

VOX Century Corner in Riyadh will host a number. of live Q&A sessions and masterclasses with the production teams, film makers, actors and directors of the movies, with an aim of creating a cross-cultural knowledge exchange and detailed discussion points for those interested in the industry.

Stand out films include Spain's Close Your Eyes which premiered at Cannes Film Festival 2023, Ireland's Lakelands, the story a talented footballer, Cian who is attacked on a night out, and his struggles to accept his career ending injuries, and Palme d'Or winning Anatomy of a Fall from France.

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21 Films from 21 European Countries

1. Along the Way: The Netherlands
2. Anatomy of a Fall: France
3. Avalanche of Love: Slovakia
4. Blaga's Lesson: Bulgaria
5. Buko: Czech Republic
6. Clear Shadows: Portugal
7. Close Your Eyes: Spain
8. Comedy Queen: Sweden
9. Dante: Italy
10. Hinterland: Austria
11. Iman: Cyprus
12. Kalev: Estonia
13. Lakelands: Ireland
14. Lost Children: Belgium
15. Remember to Blink: Lithuania
16. Rider's of Justice: Denmark
17. Smyrna My Beloved: Greece
18. Tale of Sleeping Giants: Finland
19. Talking About the Weather: Germany
20. The Balcony Movie: Poland
21. The Man Without Guilt: Slovenia

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From May 29 - June 6,
Tickets are free but advanced reservation is required
VOX Cinema Century Corner (Riyadh) and Jeddah Park (Jeddah)

ksa.voxcinemas.com
arabiapictures.sa