Saudi Documentary Films Explore Identity, Heritage, Memory at Ithra Theater

Activities at the Saudi Film Festival at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), a Saudi Aramco initiative, featured a variety of screenings through its diverse cinematic and professional program.

 The program opened with the feature film Hijra, presenting a layered journey that combines Hajj, the desert, family secrets, and questions of womanhood, faith, and belonging.

 The theater also screened four Saudi documentary films exploring themes of identity, heritage, digital memory, and individual risk-taking.

 Meanwhile, a panel discussion examined the impact of digital platforms on actors' performances and career choices, the nature of scripts and roles being offered, the extent to which artistic freedom has expanded or narrowed, and the evolving relationship between actors and audiences in the age of instant distribution and digital media.

 The festival, now in its 12th edition, is organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with Ithra and supported by the Film Commission.