Saudi cinema is heading to the heart of Latin America. For the first time, the Saudi Film Commission is bringing a curated slate of films to Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey in a cultural initiative that aims to bridge cinematic storytelling between the two regions.
Saudi Film Nights in Mexico, running from May 6 to 11, marks the Kingdom’s cinematic debut in Mexico, following similar showcases in France, Australia, China, India, and Morocco. Organized in collaboration with Pimienta Films and Calouma Films, the event highlights the growing momentum of Saudi Arabia’s film industry on the global stage.
The lineup includes two feature films and two shorts, each offering a glimpse into the country’s evolving narratives:
- My Driver and I by Ahd Kamel, a feature that explores identity and class through an intimate character-driven lens.
- Holes by Abdulmohsen Aldhabaan, which touches on themes of personal loss and transformation.
- Fishbowl by Reema Almajid, a short film that captures everyday life in Saudi Arabia with a poetic sensibility.
- Mera Mera Mera by Khaled Zidan, a compact and stylized dive into emotional tension.
These films will be screened at some of Mexico’s most influential cinematic venues: Cineteca Nacional and Cinépolis Carso in Mexico City, Cineteca FICG in Guadalajara, and Cineteca Nuevo León in Monterrey.
Beyond the screenings, audiences will also have the chance to engage directly with Saudi filmmakers through post-film Q&A sessions and panel discussions. These exchanges aim to deepen cross-cultural understanding and open pathways for future collaboration between the Mexican and Saudi film communities.
This edition of Saudi Film Nights underscores the Saudi Film Commission’s broader goal to position Saudi cinema as a dynamic force in the international film industry. It is part of the country’s ongoing efforts to develop a thriving film ecosystem, support emerging talent, and showcase homegrown stories to global audiences.
With its growing presence on the international circuit, Saudi Arabia is not only exporting its films but also building bridges through shared storytelling, and Mexico is just the latest stop in this cultural journey.
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