Telling Untold Stories: An Interview with Mansour Al-Badran, Vice President of the Saudi Film Festival
Mansour Al-Badran takes us behind the scenes of the Saudi Film Festival, revealing how cinema is transforming the Kingdom’s cultural landscape and inspiring a new generation of storytellers.
Mansour Al-Badran, Vice President of the Saudi Film Festival, is one of the key figures shaping the new cinematic landscape of Saudi Arabia. With a strong passion for storytelling and an unwavering commitment to nurturing local talent, Al-Badran plays a vital role in steering the festival's growth and influence, both regionally and internationally.
The Saudi Film Festival, established in 2008 and held annually in Dhahran at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), has evolved into much more than just an event. Organized in collaboration with the Cinema Association, it has become a hub where emerging filmmakers, bold narratives, and fresh perspectives converge to redefine Saudi Arabia’s cultural footprint.
We spoke with Mansour Al-Badran about the evolving role of cinema in the Kingdom and the ambitions fueling this year's festival.
The Saudi Film Festival, established in 2008 and held annually in Dhahran at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), has evolved into much more than just an event. Organized in collaboration with the Cinema Association, it has become a hub where emerging filmmakers, bold narratives, and fresh perspectives converge to redefine Saudi Arabia’s cultural footprint.
We spoke with Mansour Al-Badran about the evolving role of cinema in the Kingdom and the ambitions fueling this year's festival.
Unearthing Stories Buried in the Sand
When Al-Badran speaks about cinema, there is a certain gravity to his words. "For me, cinema today represents an opportunity that we have been waiting for, for a long time," he says thoughtfully.
When Al-Badran speaks about cinema, there is a certain gravity to his words. "For me, cinema today represents an opportunity that we have been waiting for, for a long time," he says thoughtfully.
“It is our chance to finally share our rich heritage, our profound history, and the deeply rooted culture of the Arabian Peninsula with the world. For centuries, so many of our stories were left untold, buried under the sands—both literally and metaphorically. Now, through cinema, we have a way to uncover those stories and present them in a language that transcends borders. It's an incredibly powerful moment for all of us.”
A Festival Built on Connection
This year’s Saudi Film Festival carries a mission close to Al-Badran's heart: building a genuine connection between the filmmakers and their audience. "We really wanted to break down the barriers," he says. "We want to give the public not just a seat in the theater, but a chance to interact with the filmmakers, meet the actors, take pictures with the stars they admire. This is why we put extra focus on making the Red Carpet experience more open and inclusive. It's no longer about exclusivity—it's about celebration and engagement."
He adds, "At the same time, we are working hard to enhance the film lineup itself—making sure we are offering fresh, exclusive films that bring something new. And our production market is evolving too, offering new opportunities each year for industry professionals and newcomers alike."
He adds, "At the same time, we are working hard to enhance the film lineup itself—making sure we are offering fresh, exclusive films that bring something new. And our production market is evolving too, offering new opportunities each year for industry professionals and newcomers alike."
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Surprising New Voices
When asked if any films particularly impressed him this year, Al-Badran's face lights up. "Absolutely," he says. "Many short films made by young Saudi filmmakers completely took me by surprise. Their creativity, their storytelling skills, their ability to evoke strong emotions—it was remarkable. These filmmakers showed a level of craftsmanship and innovation that makes me truly excited for the future of Saudi cinema. Every year, I look forward to seeing how much our young talents have grown, and this year was no exception."
Tastes that Reflect the World
As for trends among Saudi audiences, Al-Badran notes a striking similarity to global patterns. "What’s trending worldwide tends to trend here as well," he explains. "When Batman was a hit in the U.S. and Europe, it was equally loved in Saudi Arabia. The same happened with Top Gun. Our audiences are global citizens, they are plugged into the international conversation around film."
However, local tastes are also becoming more defined.
However, local tastes are also becoming more defined.
"Here, comedy and action are always in demand. People love to laugh, and they love excitement. But what's really exciting is the rising interest in dramas, especially local feature films. It shows that our audiences are hungry for stories that reflect their own lives, emotions, and challenges."
Balancing Local and Global Dreams
Building international recognition while strengthening local engagement is a balancing act that Al-Badran knows well. "We definitely aim to have a strong international presence," he says. "We want Saudi films to be seen at major festivals around the world. But at the same time, the local box office is crucial. It's not enough to make a film that wins awards abroad—we want to make films that Saudi audiences are proud of, films that make people get in their cars, drive across the city, and sit together in a theater, sharing a collective experience."
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Raising the Bar for Saudi Filmmaking
Selecting the festival's film lineup is a serious, collaborative endeavor. "We work very closely with the Cinema Association," Al-Badran explains. "They are the ones who oversee the selection and classification of the films, while we at Ithra handle the operational and artistic side—everything from the opening ceremony to the production market."
Every year, the standards grow higher. "We want to raise the bar each time," he says. "Better films, stronger stories, more polished productions. It's about creating an environment where excellence is the norm."
Every year, the standards grow higher. "We want to raise the bar each time," he says. "Better films, stronger stories, more polished productions. It's about creating an environment where excellence is the norm."
The Challenge of Crossing Borders
Promoting Saudi films internationally remains a formidable challenge. "It's definitely harder to promote films abroad," Al-Badran admits. "We have seen Saudi films succeed in neighboring countries like Kuwait and the UAE, and that's a start. But reaching wider international audiences will take time, persistence, and building trust in our storytelling abilities. We're making progress, and we know that our time will come."
A Rising Star in the Region
The progress made over the past few years has been nothing short of extraordinary. "When cinemas reopened here in 2018, there were only two movie theaters in the whole country," Al-Badran recalls. "Today, Saudi Arabia is the number one box office market in the entire MENA region. That's a massive achievement. It shows the hunger for cinema, the hunger for stories, and the incredible potential of this industry in Saudi Arabia."
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A Launchpad for New Talent
Supporting young filmmakers is a cornerstone of the festival’s mission. "We have several programs designed to nurture new talent," Al-Badran says.
"Our script development workshop gives emerging screenwriters the chance to work with top professionals in the industry. We offer masterclasses covering everything from directing and cinematography to production and distribution. And our production market connects young filmmakers with companies that can offer mentorship, training, and real-world opportunities. It’s about building a community, not just an event."
What Makes a Great Film?
When asked what makes a film truly great in his eyes, Al-Badran doesn’t hesitate. "First, it’s about mastering the core elements: strong acting, a compelling story, beautiful cinematography, and powerful production values," he says. "But beyond that, what really makes a film unforgettable is originality—a unique concept that hasn't been seen before. When a film surprises you, when it stays with you long after you leave the theater—that’s when you know it’s something special."
New Energy, New Beginnings
This year’s festival brings a renewed sense of excitement. "We’ve worked hard to create a more immersive experience for visitors," Al-Badran says. "The Red Carpet is more interactive, more alive. Several Saudi films are having their world premieres here. And the production market is bigger and better, offering more opportunities for everyone involved. Each year, we try to add new elements, and this year, I think we've really raised the bar."
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A Moment to Remember
For Al-Badran, one memory from this year’s festival stands above the rest. "The opening ceremony," he says with a smile. "It was a magical moment. Seeing everything come together—the lights, the performances, the films, the people—it was overwhelming in the best possible way. I felt relieved, proud, and incredibly happy."
Advice for the Dreamers
To young filmmakers, Al-Badran offers heartfelt advice. "Don’t overthink. Be forgiving," he says. "When you’re starting out, your passion and love for cinema will be your greatest tools. It doesn’t matter if your equipment isn’t perfect or if you don't have a big budget. What matters is your heart, your vision. If you truly love what you’re doing, that love will shine through in every frame."
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If you’d like to hear more from Mansour Al-Badran himself, you can watch the full interview here:
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