Film AlUla is bringing cinema professionals and emerging filmmakers together for the second edition of its “Cinema Up Close” program, set to take place at Villa Hegra in AlUla from October 14 to December 18, 2026.
Organized by the film agency of the Royal Commission for AlUla, the six-week initiative will provide participants with exclusive opportunities to explore the art of filmmaking through film screenings, panel discussions, workshops, and interactive experiences.
The program seeks to nurture emerging talent, encourage knowledge exchange, and support the growth of film culture in Saudi Arabia.
What Makes AlUla a Filmmaking Destination?
In recent years, AlUla has transformed into a cultural tourism destination and an emerging hub for film production, drawing on its rich heritage and distinctive landscapes.
Since its establishment in 2017, the Royal Commission for AlUla has launched several initiatives and programs to preserve the region’s historical legacy while opening new avenues for economic and cultural development.
As part of these efforts, Film AlUla was launched to attract international film productions, support the local filmmaking ecosystem, and cultivate Saudi creative talent.
At a broader level, the commission’s work aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions to diversify the economy and expand the Kingdom’s cultural and creative industries.
Six Weeks Behind the Screen
First designed as a vital platform for connecting aspiring filmmakers with experienced industry professionals, Cinema Up Close returns for a second edition with a six-week program featuring three sessions each week.
Through a series of screenings, discussions, and practical workshops, the initiative will give participants opportunities to explore different aspects of filmmaking and learn from established practitioners.
The program also reflects AlUla’s growing role in Saudi Arabia’s film and creative industries, bringing cinematic storytelling into a magnificent setting defined by centuries of history and cultural heritage.
When Heritage Inspires Cinema
The program will open from October 14 to 16 with “How Stories Are Born,” a theme that delves into the creative process behind cinematic storytelling.
Saudi producer and director Ayman Jamal will lead the opening sessions, examining how local narratives can evolve into films, from developing initial ideas and building compelling stories to production and directing.
The sessions will also explore the role of cultural heritage in filmmaking, underscoring how local history, traditions, and identities can inspire stories for the screen.
Covering storytelling, production, directing, and animation, the sessions will seamlessly blend theoretical knowledge with practical learning, helping aspiring filmmakers deepen their understanding of the creative process.
Those wishing to participate can register through Film AlUla’s official website, which lists the program’s sessions and schedules. The initiative adds another platform for creative exchange and practical learning within AlUla’s developing film scene.
How Does Cinema Support Vision 2030?
Remarkably, the return of Cinema Up Close reflects AlUla’s expanding role in Saudi Arabia’s film and creative industries.
By offering opportunities for emerging filmmakers to learn from experienced professionals and exchange ideas, the program creates an environment where cinematic skills and storytelling approaches can evolve.
Such initiatives also align with the Kingdom’s broader efforts to diversify its economy and strengthen its cultural and creative sectors under Vision 2030.
Through sessions led by professionals such as Ayman Jamal, participants can gain insight into the process of developing local narratives for the screen, while exploring how filmmaking can bring Saudi stories to wider audiences.
The program also reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader ambitions under Vision 2030 to develop its cultural and creative industries and create opportunities for emerging talent.
By combining practical learning with an exploration of local storytelling, Cinema Up Close connects skills development with the preservation and reinterpretation of cultural heritage.
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