TheSaudi Independent Cinema Salon (SICS)is a curatorial platform dedicated to contemporary Saudi auteur cinema. Founded by filmmaker and visual artistGigi Hozimah, the Salon brings together film, visual arts, and conversation in an intimate setting designed to foster reflection, discovery, and cultural exchange.
Held simultaneously in Paris and Jeddah, SICS showcases the voices of Saudi independent cinema and creates opportunities for audiences, filmmakers, artists, students, and cultural professionals to come together. Moving beyond the traditional festival format, the event offers an experience rooted in dialogue, context, and connection.
VISION & MISSION
Vision
To create a sustainable platform dedicated to Saudi independent cinema, capable of connecting filmmakers, artists, and audiences through artistic and intercultural dialogue.
Mission
- To highlight contemporary Saudi auteur cinema.
- Support emerging and established Saudi filmmakers.
- To promote cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and international audiences.
- Exploring cinema as a form of artistic expression shaped by personal vision and cultural identity.
- Build bridges between film, the visual arts, education, and intercultural dialogue.
FEATURED FILM
And Then Comes Winter
The centerpiece of this first edition,*And Then Comes Winter*is a feature film directed by Saudi filmmakerGigi Hozimah.
Rooted in the tradition of auteur cinema, the film explores themes of identity, memory, emotions, and personal transformation through a unique cinematic language. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the director, guest critics, and members of the creative team.
About the director
Gigi Hozimahis a Saudi filmmaker, producer, and visual artist. Her work explores the concepts of identity, memory, and emotional landscape through a poetic and visually powerful cinematic style.
Her films have been recognized at several international film festivals, including the Saudi Film Festival, where she received the Golden Palm Award and the Best Editing Award. More recently, she won the Best Director Award at the Cleveland Arthouse Film Awards.
She is the founder ofLook At The Wall Productionsand the creator of theSaudi Independent Cinema Salon.
SHORT FILMS & PARTICIPATING FILMMAKERS
The Festival presents a selection of short films that showcase the diversity and vitality of contemporary Saudi independent cinema.
Upcoming Movies
- The Moment Mozart Mourned Himself— Aqeel Alkhamees
- Views on Smoking— Mohsen Ahmed
- Damaged Masculinity — Majed Al Saihati
Through these works, the program showcases emerging and established filmmakers whose films explore personal, social, and poetic approaches to cinematic storytelling.
VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITION
In addition to the screenings, the festival is hosting a visual arts exhibition that explores the relationships between image, memory, storytelling, and artistic expression.
Featured Artists
- Hana Hijazi
- Gigi Hozimah
The exhibition extends the cinematic experience by fostering a dialogue between the visual arts and cinema.
PARTNERS & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Founder & Curator
Gigi Hozimah
Cultural and media partners
- Look At The Wall Productions
- Creative Meem for the Arts
- Alchemists
- Haay Cinema
- The Institute of the Arab World
EVENING PROGRAM
5:00p.m.: Doors open & visual arts exhibition
5:15p.m.: Opening remarks
Gigi Hozimah: Introduced byBenjamin Azoulay
5:20p.m.: Short film program
6:25p.m.: Break
6:35p.m.: Screening of the feature film – And Then Comes Winter
7:40p.m.: Meet-and-greet & discussion – A conversation withGigi Hozimah, guest critics, and lead actorJean-Calixte Gros
8:10p.m.: Reception & networking
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Saudi Independent Cinema Salon (SICS)
Date:July 9, 2026
Location:
ESRA Paris
31–37 Quai de Grenelle
75015 Paris
Format:
Film • Visual Arts • Conversation • Reception
Access:
Open to the public, subject to availability.
