The Films
THE FESTIVAL
European Film Festival was first established in 2022, organised by the European Union Delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Arabia Pictures Entertainment. The festival aims at creating a
cross-cultural conversation, by utilising one of the most universal languages mankind has known; cinema.
In addition to offering a chance for European films to be screened and promoted to Arab audiences, European Film Festival also plays a key role in showcasing aspiring local talent and exposing it to the international market.
Moreover, it serves as a platform for European and Saudi filmmakers to connect, exchanging their experiences, hopes, challenges, and ambitions.
While creating a buzzing conversation between the aspiring filmmakers from both sides of the world, the festival also enhances the industry in both regions, allowing filmmakers to join forces, creating opportunities to
learn, create, and collaborate on projects.
THE ORGANIZER
The Delegation of the European Union to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain opened in Riyadh in 2004. The EU Delegation is also representing the EU vis-à-vis the Gulf Cooperation Council
(GCC), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). The EU Delegation works on many areas of cooperation between EU and Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain as well as the GCC, including
political dialogue, economic and trade issues, regional security, education as well as climate change and transition to green energy/economy.
Read more about us on the EU Delegation's Website
Twitter: EUintheGCC
Instagram: EUinKSA
Facebook: EUinKSA
EU Ambassador's Twitter: eusimonpa
AP Entertainment is a multifaceted media and entertainment company based in Saudi Arabia. With a young team of creatives, the company is dedicated to: Film Production, Distribution, Training, Events Management and Advertising. Embracing the local culture at its core. AP Entertainment aims to keep nurturing talent, supporting film appreciation, building a vibrant film industry, creating original and enthralling multiplatform content, and generating a sustainable business within the realm of entertainment.
THE SELECTION
From documentary filmmaking to heartfelt fictions, the selection of the 2nd edition of the European Film Festival will offer our audiences a rich and diverse palette of not only genres but impactful storytelling. Many of the selected films have an inspirational message: be it to overcome any disabilities you may have, be it the empowerment of women or be it the ongoing fight to save our environment. Other stories will be very entertaining in showcasing thrilling adventures and comic reliefs. We're looking forward to a successful 2nd edition!
Dedicated Events
Between Agents and Actors
Zübeyde Bulut, Jason Hafford
Vox Cinema (Riyadh) Thursday, 8th June, 5:30-6:30 pm
Biography
Zübeyde Bulut: After receiving her degree in drama from a well respected Berlin acting academy, Zübeyde embarked on her acting career playing in many theatre plays and short films before landing the
role of “Lamia“ in Eva Husson`s feature film “Girls of the Sun“ nominated in 2018 at the Cannes International Film Festival for best picture.
Since then Zübeyde has shot in other feature films; “Atlas/The Mover“ (2018), which was nominated and won many prizes in Germany and the UK as well as Florian Hoffmann`s feature film “Stille Post“ (2022).
Jason Hafford: ِAn agent in the Global Television department at leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Hafford is based in the London office, where he represents
writers, directors, showrunners, producers, and actors from around the globe, with a focus on India, the Middle East, Africa, and the UK. In addition, Hafford works on identifying new business opportunities
for the agency and its clients with an emphasis on the international marketplace. His clients include Adjani Salmon (Dreaming Whilst Black), Anupam Tripathi (Squid Game), Hend Sabry (Finding Ola), Huma
Qureshi (Army of the Dead) and Mohamed Hefzy/Film Clinic, among others.
New Visions of Documentaries
Isabel Fernández
Vox Cinema (Riyadh) Friday, 9th June, 4:00-5:00 pm
Biography
A documentary director, writer, and producer based in Barcelona. From her company Al Pati Produccions she focuses on producing films that explore the borders of documentary and fiction, and new narratives with the potential to foster cultural and social change. Her last work is the feature documentary film The Builders of Alhambra, 2022. The film was selected at SUNNY SIDE OF THE DOC History pitch, premiered at SEMINCI, Valladolid International Film Festival, and in official competition at FIFA, Montreal. Since its release in cinemas in Spain on November 25th 2022 it has become one of the most-watched documentaries of the year in Spain.
Animation Filmmaking
Nanu Beato
Vox Cinema (Riyadh) Saturday, 10th June, 4:00-5:00 pm
Biography
Nuno Beato is founding partner, producer and director of Sardinha em Lata. Teacher since 2002 in various institutions in different areas of animation. As far as directing is concerned, special mention should be made of the series Emma & Gui - shown in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Finland, South Korea and Argentina and the short film Mi Vida en Tus Manos, winner of 8 awards and around 100 selections in festivals around the world. My Grandfather’s Demons is his first feature.
Stories About Women
Willemien Sanders, Jumana Zahid, Sara Balghonaim
Vox Cinema (Riyadh) Sunday, 11th June, 5:30-6:30 pm
Biography
Holds a Ph.D. in Media Studies, Sanders is a Lecturer at the Department of Media and Culture Studies, Utrecht University. Her research interests include but are not limited to documentary film, non-fiction film and television production, and interactive narratives. She is investigating documentary impact production. She is the co-chair of IAMCR’s Media Production Analysis working group. In addition, she is a freelance critic for Modern Times review.
How to Make a Very Short Film?
Sébastien Tulard
Vox Cinema (Riyadh) Tuesday, 13th June, 6:00-7:00 pm
Biography
After several years of experience as a motion designer and editor, Sebastien Tulard joined the film sets on feature films as an assistant director. Through filming luxurious brands in advertising (Louis Vuitton, Dior, YSL, Thierry Mugler ...), he directs commercials. After directing three short films he signs the scenarios, he focuses today on several feature films. Sugar and Stars is his first feature film.
CALENDAR
Sponsors
Embassies
