Cinehouse: The first art house cinema is coming to Riyadh

The first screening will be a historical documentary about the capital.

It’s not that long ago that cinemas were forbidden in Saudi Arabia. In 2018, a 35-year ban on cinemas was lifted. Today, the Kingdom is home to a range of cinema experiences, from IMAX to luxury screens. Now, the first art house cinema, Cinehouse, is opening in Riyadh. 

Cinehouse in Riyadh prides itself on offering an art-house experience. Saudi Arabian film producer Faisal Baltyuor is behind the concept. He aims to create a hub for local and international filmmakers and nurture new talent.

Cinehouse in Riyadh’s first screening will be the never-before-publicly screened 1975 documentary, Development of Riyadh City. Created by the Saudi Arabian film director, Abdullah Al-Muheisen, it celebrates the history of the capital. 

Thanks to its old-school neon lights, the new cinema is easy to spot. The venue is home to three screening rooms offering a classic, cosy experience. The interior includes 80 plush seats and a Dolby Atmos sound system. If you’re feeling peckish, there’s more than just popcorn. A special menu has been created by a homegrown chef.

“We wanted to create a place that feels like home, while showcasing the best of Saudi talent in both cinema and dining,” Faisal BaltyoUr told Arab News. “It’s not just putting a chair and watching a movie.”

This isn’t the first time an art house cinema has opened in Saudi Arabia. In 2021, Hayy Jameel opened the Kingdom’s first indie cinema, Hayy Cinema in Jeddah. The 165-seat cinema includes a screening room and multimedia library. The venue’s programming includes Saudi Arabian, regional, and international films, short films, and documentaries.

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GO: Follow @cinehousecinema on Instagram for more information.