London: Saudi Arabia’s Film Commission is participating in the first European edition of the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival, to be held in London from June 2 to 7, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The international festival brings together professionals from across the creative industries for a series of events including panel discussions, film screenings, music and comedy performances, exhibitions, and networking sessions.
As part of its participation, the Film Commission is presenting Saudi Film Nights, a curated selection of short Saudi films aimed at highlighting the Kingdom’s storytelling talent and promoting local filmmakers to global audiences.
The commission is also hosting a panel titled “Empowering the Film Industry in Saudi Arabia: From Vision to Reality,” which will examine cinema’s role in preserving cultural heritage, shaping national identity, and advancing local content as a tool of soft power.
An exhibition at the Saudi pavilion will highlight the Kingdom’s cinematic progress, featuring films that have achieved notable milestones such as selling over 250,000 tickets, being screened at major international festivals, or winning global awards.
The Film Commission is part of a broader Saudi cultural delegation at the pavilion, which also includes the Music Commission, Culinary Arts Commission, and Fashion Commission. Together, they aim to present a comprehensive view of Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity and creative sector development.
This participation reflects the Film Commission’s commitment to elevating Saudi cinema on the global stage, supporting creative talent, and strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a regional leader in the film industry.
