Riyadh:The Film Commission is set to host the fourth International Film Criticism Conference on November 5-6, 2026. The event will gather leading critics, researchers, filmmakers, and cinema enthusiasts to discuss the role of criticism in understanding films, exploring its artistic and cultural dimensions, and examining its evolving relationship with audiences amid ongoing changes in the film industry.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the conference will address the complexity of reading a film, which goes beyond merely following events or assessing technical aspects. It involves understanding visual language, analyzing narratives and symbols, and exploring the meaning conveyed by scenes. The event will raise questions about the plurality of critical readings, the diverse perspectives from which films can be approached, and the critic's role in enriching the viewing experience and broadening the cinematic conversation.
The conference program includes panel discussions, practical workshops, and two film screenings that will examine contemporary approaches to film criticism. It will also highlight changes in critical practice due to the spread of digital platforms and advances in artificial intelligence, and the questions they pose about analytical tools, forms of critical expression, and audience engagement. These discussions are particularly relevant as the Saudi and Arab film landscape evolves, offering more diverse experiences, works, and themes.
The event will provide a platform for critics, researchers, filmmakers, and cinema enthusiasts to exchange views on the relationship between filmmaking and critical reading. It aims to develop practices that deepen the understanding of films and engagement with their content, thereby strengthening the role of criticism in the cultural conversation surrounding cinema. Between 2023 and 2025, previous editions of the conference attracted over 29,000 visitors from more than 20 countries, with participation from more than 180 individuals, over 25 workshops, 30 side events, and support from 28 sponsors and partners.
The 2026 conference will convene diverse voices to explore the future of film criticism and reinforce its role in shaping informed, engaged cultural dialogue around cinema.
