Ibero-American Film Festival Opens in Riyadh

The fifth Ibero-American International Film Festival opened in Riyadh on September 20, 2026, bringing a lineup of international cinema to audiences in the capital. The event runs through October 8, 2026, at the auditorium of the Embassy of India in Riyadh.

This year's program features productions from 14 countries, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Spain, India, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Mexico, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia. The mix offers residents and film enthusiasts a rare chance to explore works spanning Latin American, Iberian, and local storytelling in one setting.

The festival opened with a screening of the film Machuca, alongside the Saudi short film The Fog of Gunpowder, pairing an international feature with a homegrown production on the first evening.

Why it matters

The festival adds to the growing calendar of cultural and cinematic events in Riyadh, giving the community access to diverse international films that are not always widely available in local cinemas. Its multi-week run offers flexibility for those wishing to attend across the coming weeks.

A full screening schedule for the remaining days has not been confirmed. Details on ticket prices, registration channels, or attendance requirements were also not available at the time of publishing. Those interested are encouraged to plan ahead and check for updated timing information before attending.

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