DHAHRAN, SAUDI ARABIA, 3 December 2025 – The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) announces its participation in the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF), taking place from December 4 to 13, 2025. Through its Film Fund, cinematic programs, and cultural initiatives, Ithra highlights its ongoing work in supporting Saudi filmmaking and nurturing creative voices in the Kingdom.

Ithra’s 2025 presence at RSIFF is structured around five core elements that reflect its contribution to Saudi cinema: Ithra-funded films premiering at the festival, Ithra’s booth at the Red Sea Souk, the Anti-Cinema press conference, the “Meet the Saudi Funders” panel, and the Ithra Film Fund Award.

Ithra Booth at the Red Sea Souk – Opening December 6
Ithra’s program begins on December 6 with the opening of the Red Sea Souk. The Ithra booth will showcase a range of works developed under Ithra’s initiatives, including narrative and documentary films, VR projects from the Creative Solutions residency, and projects supported by the Ithra Film Fund and the Ithra Content Initiative. The booth will serve as a meeting point for filmmakers and industry professionals to explore Ithra’s contribution to the Kingdom’s film ecosystem.

Festival Premieres of Ithra-Funded Films – December 6, 7, and 8
On December 6, Hijra, directed by Shahad Amin, screens as part of the festival program. On December 7 and 8, Irtizaz, directed by Sara Balghonaim, will also screen. Both filmmakers are Saudi women with strong cinematic voices whose work reflects the depth and diversity of contemporary Saudi storytelling.

Anti-Cinema Press Conference – December 7
On December 7, Ithra will host the Anti-Cinema press conference with Ithra’s cultural consultant Dr. Tariq Khawaji and director Ali Saeed. Developed and supported by the Ithra Content Initiative, Anti-Cinema recently won the Jury Award at the Cairo International Film Festival, one of the oldest and most prestigious festivals in the region. The session will highlight the work’s artistic vision and cultural relevance.

Production Market Pitching Sessions – December 7 and 8
Ithra will engage in the Saudi project pitching sessions on December 7 and 8, meeting shortlisted filmmakers and reviewing participating projects within the Production Market.

“Meet the Saudi Funders” Panel – December 9
On December 9, Mr. Feras Almusharrie, Head of the Ithra Film Fund, will join the “Meet the Saudi Funders” panel alongside representatives from the Red Sea Fund, Yellow Camel, the Cultural Development Fund (CDF), the Film Commission, and Film AlUla. The discussion will highlight funding pathways and development support available to filmmakers in the Kingdom.

Ithra Film Fund Award – December 10
Ithra will present the Ithra Film Fund Award, a 50,000 SAR development award granted to a Saudi project selected within the Production Market (Red Sea Film Souk). The winning project will be announced during the Production Market closing ceremony on December 10.

Throughout the festival, Ithra continues to collaborate with filmmakers, producers, and cultural partners through premieres, discussions, masterclasses, and industry meetings. These engagements reflect Ithra’s ongoing efforts to advance cinema as a space for creativity, dialogue, and cultural expression, and to support Saudi talent within the national and global film landscape.

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About the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra):

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), an initiative by Aramco, is a leading cultural destination in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The center focuses on enriching people’s lives by offering impactful cultural and creative programs and initiatives. Since its opening in 2018, Ithra has become a distinguished architectural landmark that houses the Idea Lab, Library, Theatre, Museum, Cinema, Great Hall, Energy Exhibit, Children’s Museum, and Knowledge Tower.  

For more information, please visit: https://www.ithra.com/en. Follow Ithra on social media: Facebook (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture), X (@Ithra), and Instagram (@Ithra) #Ithra