ALULA, Saudi Arabia, 5 October 2026: Cinema Up Close returns to AlUla from October 14th to December 18th, 2026, Inviting cinema lovers and film enthusiasts to discover a dynamic programme of Saudi and international films, alongside talks and workshops that deepen their appreciation of cinema. Presented by Film AlUla, the film agency of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), in collaboration with AFALULA, the French Agency for AlUla Development, powered by Cinema Meem, a prominent Saudi cinematic platform and Media company, the programme will pull the curtains on filmmaking through conversations with renowned creatives, providing an unfiltered glimpse into the creative process.
Hosted at Villa Hegra, Cinema Up Close will explore six themes: Storytelling & Film Production, comedy, independent cinema, film criticism, animation and acting.
The line-up of filmmakers and industry professionals includes actor Ibrahim Alkhairallah, director Wael Abu Mansour, actress Sarah Taibah, director Ayman Jamal, film reviewer and media contributor Rakan Alshaya, and animator Walaa Sindi. Drawing on their diverse experiences and perspectives, the moderators will discuss their work, lead practical sessions, and explore different approaches to making and understanding films.
Zaid Shaker, Acting Executive Director of Film AlUla, said: “Cinema Up Close reflects Film AlUla’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant film culture in AlUla, and celebrating our shared love of film and the stories that connect us. At Film AlUla, we believe cinema should be accessible to all, and this programme invites audiences to engage more closely with the films they cherish and the filmmakers behind them. We aim to encourage meaningful conversation, inspire curiosity and offer new ways of seeing the world through cinema. This programme forms part of our broader commitment to establishing a lasting home for film in AlUla, one where Saudi stories are told with authenticity and shared with audiences around the world."
Maha Sultan, Founder of Creative MEEM for arts, Said:“Cinema Up Close aims to bring cinema closer to the AlUla community through screenings, conversations and hands-on experiences that connect global perspectives with local voices. We hope to welcome new audiences and lifelong film enthusiasts alike, while nurturing a lasting curiosity for cinema and a vibrant film culture in AlUla.”
Programme highlights include screenings of “Alzarfa” and “Sattar”, the latter of which will include an engaging session on its creative process and ultimate success. Director Wael Abu Mansour will share behind-the-scenes insights from a selection of his work.
International films will also serve as a compelling starting point for discussions on storytelling and the creative choices that shape a film.
A screening of “Bilal: A New Breed of Hero” will immerse children and families in an animated world where heritage and imagination blend. Sarah Taibah will lead sessions on acting and character development, accompanied by screenings of her two films,“Hoba” and “A Matter of Life and Death”.
Across the six themes, workshops and dialogue sessions will offer hands-on opportunities to explore filmmaking, while screenings and discussions will enable audiences to critically engage cinema from different perspectives.
Designed for AlUla residents and visitors, the programme bridges the gap between moviegoing and the storytelling, expertise and technical skills behind the craft. The programme, which seeks to open up the creative filmmaking process, reflects Film AlUla vision to broaden the region’s cultural offering and bring cinema closer to the community.