First Saudi Film: "The Ambitious"
"The Ambitious" was the first Saudi film, directed by Saudi filmmaker Abdullah Al-Mohaisen, marking the nascent stages of Cinema Of Saudi Arabia.
1965
1975
The Opening of the First Cinema in Jeddah
The first cinema in Jeddah opened, providing a public space for film screenings in the Kingdom.
1983
Ban on Cinemas
Cinemas were banned in Saudi Arabia due to conservative cultural norms, leading to a 35-year hiatus in public film screenings.
2006
First Saudi Feature Film: "Keif al-Hal?"
"Keif al-Hal?" became the first Saudi feature film, produced by Rotana Studios, showcasing the potential of Saudi filmmakers despite the cinema ban.
2017
Lifting of the Cinema Ban
The Saudi government announced the lifting of the 35-year ban on cinemas as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reforms.
2018
First Public Cinema Screening
The first public cinema screening in 35 years took place in Riyadh, featuring the Hollywood blockbuster "Black Panther."
2018
Opening of AMC Cinemas in Riyadh
AMC Cinemas opened the first commercial cinema in Riyadh, marking a new era for Cinema Of Saudi Arabia.
2019
Launch of the Red Sea International Film Festival
The Red Sea International Film Festival was launched in Jeddah, aiming to promote Saudi and international films.
2020
Saudi Film Commission Established
The Saudi Film Commission was established to support and regulate the burgeoning film industry in Saudi Arabia.
2020
First Saudi Film to Enter Oscars: "The Perfect Candidate"
"The Perfect Candidate," directed by Haifaa Al-Mansour, became the first Saudi film to be submitted for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars.
2021
Saudi Arabia's First Digital Cinema Platform: "Muvi Cinemas"
Muvi Cinemas launched the first Saudi digital cinema platform, expanding access to films across the Kingdom.
2022
Opening of VOX Cinemas in Jeddah
VOX Cinemas opened in Jeddah, further expanding the cinematic infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
2023
Saudi Film "Rupture" Wins International Acclaim
The Saudi film "Rupture," directed by Hamzah Jamjoom, received international acclaim, highlighting the growing talent in Cinema Of Saudi Arabia.
2024
Expansion of Film Production Facilities
Saudi Arabia announced the expansion of film production facilities, aiming to attract international filmmakers and boost local productions.
2024
Inauguration of the Riyadh Film City
The Riyadh Film City was inaugurated, providing state-of-the-art facilities for film production and fostering the growth of Cinema Of Saudi Arabia.
