3rd Film Criticism Conference – Call for Speakers

After two successful editions in 2023 and 2024, the Film Criticism Conference in Riyadh comes back with a third edition, in which the event that focuses on the aspects of film culture, history, analysis, and all aspects of criticism, will open a call for speakers for the first time.

The call aims to provide the opportunity to film critics, academics, and researchers from around the world to take part in the one-of-a-kind event, in which film critics gather in the Saudi capital to share a wide range of activities, panels, presentations, screenings, and workshops.

Please read the following information carefully, and if you believe you have a topic that can add value to the content of the conference, please don’t hesitate to submit it.

Basic Information:

When: 11-13 November 2025

Where: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Event: Film Criticism Conference, third edition

Conference title: Cinema, The Art of Place

The Conference Theme:

Why is cinema an art of place?

Ever since the workers left the factory and the train left the station in the Lumière brothers’ first films, the relationship between cinema and place has been close. Not only because it is inevitable; the header of every scene includes the location where it takes place, but also because cinema and place have historically deepened the impact and highlighted the philosophy of each other. Place has given cinema realism and imagination, and cinema has granted place the possibility of being presented as an aesthetic, narrative, and theoretical equivalent.

The concept of “place” within the cinematic arts encompasses a diverse range of interpretations, extending beyond geographical locations to encompass metaphorical representations of philosophical concepts, historical periods, or thematic elements such as alienation, fantasy, and the complexities of reality. Consequently, the interplay between cinema and the notion of “place” presents a compelling subject for comprehensive critical analysis.

The theme can include (but not limited to) topics like:

1. The concept of place in cinema and its historical development.

2. The city in cinema: examples of cities chronicled by films.

3. The relationship between place and time in cinema.

4. Place in documentary cinema.

5. Architecture and cinema: Is there a relationship and mutual benefit?

6. Examples of film directors and the specificity of place in their cinema.

7. Spaciousness and encirclement: How can the sense of space influence cinematic narrative?

8. Geography in cinema.

9. Place in Saudi cinema: How Saudi locations appeared on screen.

10. Editing and its relationship to cinematic space.

Needed Formats:

• Presentations: 15 minutes presentation (with slides), tackling one idea or topic. The topic can be very niche or non-universal.
• Beyond Criticism: One hour lecture (with slides) that fits between cinema and any other art, since, literature, or any other field.
• Workshops: 2-3 hours practical training related to the conference theme, audience can be beginner, intermediate, or advanced film critics / film lovers / young audience.

How to participate?

• Pick the format that suits your topic, go to the link and submit it before 31 July 2025 (23:59 Riyadh time GMT+2).
• Attach an abstract of your proposed idea, in maximum 500 words, and add photos if necessary.
• Fill in your details.
• The Conference will cover the speakers’ flight and accommodation during the conference days.
• The speakers will receive an honorarium for their contribution.
• Language: English or Arabic.

Application link

Can I share the news?

This call is issued based on the MOU signed between the Saudi Film Commission and the international federation of film critics (FIPRESCI) targeting the federation members. But participation in the conference is open to every film critic, academic, or researcher. So, if you think that there are some colleagues who can add value to the conference content, please share the call with them.

©FIPRESCI 2025