Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—Pioneering Saudi film industry figure Faisal Baltyuor is set to make history with the opening of Riyadh’s first arthouse cinema, Cinehouse, later this month.
This milestone marks a significant development in the kingdom’s film landscape following lifting a 35-year cinema ban in late 2017.
Cinehouse, a luxurious 80-seat venue, will feature cutting-edge technology, including 4K laser projectors and an Atmos 7.1 sound system. The cinema’s inaugural film will be Abdullah Al-Muheisen’s 1975 documentary “Development of Riyadh City.” Al-Muheisen, a key figure in the early Saudi film industry, played a crucial role before the cinema ban was enforced.
His work, which focused on social and humanitarian issues, reflects the foundation of Saudi Arabia’s cinematic heritage.
Baltyuor, who previously served as CEO of the Saudi Film Council and founded CineWaves Film, emphasised the significance of returning to Saudi Arabia’s cinematic roots for the opening film.
He shared that meeting with Al-Muheisen inspired him, highlighting the historical challenges faced by filmmakers in the 1970s due to a lack of infrastructure despite creative freedoms.
Following its opening, Winehouse will showcase a diverse selection of films, including Todd Phillips’s “Joker: Folie à Deux,” Ryoo Seung-wan’s “I, The Executioner,” Aki Kaurismäki’s “Fallen Leaves,” Amr Gamal’s Yemeni film “The Burdened,” Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest,” and Saeed Roustayi’s “Leila’s Brothers.”
The cinema will offer a mix of modern arthouse films, classic cinema, and commercial releases, complemented by seminars, film cycles, and discussions with international directors. The venue features three screening rooms, a restaurant, and a bar with a design reminiscent of “The Cotton Club.”
Baltyuor expressed gratitude for the support from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, particularly from Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Deputy Culture Minister Hamed M. Fayez, and the Saudi Cultural Development Fund.
He noted the growing gap in the arthouse cinema sector globally and in Saudi Arabia, despite the rapid growth of the kingdom’s box office, which has generated $986 million in revenue and over 61 million admissions between April 2018 and March 2024.
“We aim to address the challenges of establishing an arthouse cinema step by step and build a supportive community for this genre,” Baltyuor stated.
