Saudi Film Nights brings contemporary Saudi cinema to South Africa for the first time
Saudi Film Nights will make its South African debut in October, showcasing contemporary Saudi cinema through screenings and filmmaker Q&As in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
In October 2026, the Joburg Film Festival (JFF) will bring contemporary Saudi cinema to South Africa for the first time with the programme Saudi Film Nights. The tour will take place across Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town from October 8th to 14th. The programme will showcase four films: Night Courier, Irtizaz, Siwar, and First Funeral Day.
Night Courier, directed by the unknown, follows the story of Fahad, a delivery driver in Riyadh who turns to illegal activities to make ends meet. Irtizaz, directed by an unnamed director, centers on a young woman dealing with the pressures of marriage after attending a funeral. Siwar, inspired by true events, follows the lives of a Saudi and a Turkish family after a DNA mix-up.
The final film, First Funeral Day, tells the story of an estranged father returning to his home after the loss of his child, forcing the family to confront grief and distance.
After each screening, post-screening question-and-answer sessions will be held, allowing audiences to engage with the attending Saudi filmmakers. JFF manager Taryn Joffe expressed excitement about the diverse stories and perspectives the programme offers. She emphasized JFF's commitment to bringing international cinema to South African audiences and filmmakers, highlighting the collaboration with the Saudi Film Commission for this inaugural South African presentation.
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