Saudi Film Commission concludes 2026 International Film Criticism Conference in Riyadh

The Saudi Film Commission has concluded the fourth edition of the International Film Criticism Conference at JAX Studios in Riyadh, organized by Troika Events Management Company, after two days of discussions and dialogues. The event brought together leading critics, researchers, filmmakers, and cinema enthusiasts to explore methods of film analysis, diverse critical perspectives, and ways to strengthen the role of criticism in the cinematic landscape.

The conference program included two film screenings, each followed by a discussion with the director, as well as two panel sessions and three workshops. These sessions, led by prominent critics and filmmakers, addressed key issues in film criticism and its contemporary transformations.

The conference opened with a screening of the film "Sewar," followed by a discussion between its director, Osama Al-Khuriji, and director and writer Ali Al-Sumain, focusing on adapting real-life stories for cinema and questions of identity and belonging. The event closed with a screening of "Al-Qayd," followed by a session with director Hussam Al-Helwah and critic Firas Al-Madhi, discussing how local heritage inspires storytelling and presenting Bedouin drama in a modern cinematic language.

On the second day, the first panel, "Before Platforms and Social Media: The Memory of Film Criticism in Saudi Journalism," featured Mohammed Al-Rashidi, Mohammed Bazid, and Abdulmohsen Al-Dabaan, moderated by Ahmed Al-Ayyad. The second panel, "Critical Essays in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," included Dr. Musab Al-Omari, Samaher Al-Dhamin, and Ali Saeed, moderated by Nada Al-Luhaidan.

In the workshop hall, Dr. Mohammed Al-Bashir led a session titled "How to Read a Film? An Introduction to Film Criticism." Mohieddin Al-Mahayni presented "Designing and Directing the Unseen," while Mohammed Al-Saadoun and Fouad Al-Hatlan conducted "Giving Voice to People and Places in Documentary Works," with the latter two workshops held in collaboration with Thamena Publishing and Distribution.

In his opening remarks, Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Qahtani, CEO of the Saudi Film Commission, emphasized that the commission views investment in film criticism and knowledge as "part of its responsibility to build an integrated cinematic ecosystem, where creative practice evolves alongside critical and cultural dialogue."

Mishari bin Abdul Fattah Al-Khayyat, general supervisor of the International Film Criticism Conference, noted that the fourth edition builds on previous successes by combining film screenings, discussions, and workshops, "offering participants multiple opportunities to engage with conference topics and exchange experiences and perspectives." He added that since its launch in 2023, the conference has expanded to eight cities across the Kingdom in addition to Riyadh, helping broaden the reach of film criticism to a wider audience.

The 2026 International Film Criticism Conference is part of the Saudi Film Commission's efforts to support critical discourse and enhance its presence in Saudi Arabia's cultural scene by providing a dedicated space for discussion and keeping pace with developments in the field. From 2023 to 2025, the conference and its forums attracted more than 29,000 visitors from over 20 countries, with participation from more than 180 individuals.