The Riyadh Film Music Festival is back, running from July 30 to August 8 at Red Hall Theater inside Princess Nourah University. The setup? Blockbuster films paired with live orchestras — turning your favorite movie moments into full-on audio-visual events.
This festival is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 push to make Riyadh a global cultural hub, and it’s happening alongside the Esports World Cup.
Maestro Ernst Van Tiel. 80 Musicians. One Stage.
A full-scale international orchestra — 80+ musicians strong — will perform the soundtrack of each film as it plays. Led by Maestro Ernst Van Tiel, a specialist in film concerts with live orchestra, the music isn’t just background. It’s front and center.
Top Gun: Maverick (July 30 – August 2)
Maverick’s back — and this time, he’s not just flying jets. He’s facing ghosts from the past while training the next gen of Top Gun pilots, including the son of his late best friend. Between the sky-high stunts and the emotional gut-punch, this one hits on every level — and the live orchestra only takes it higher.
The Lion King (August 1–2)
Let’s be real — Mufasa’s death wrecked us then, and it still hits just as hard. Simba’s journey from runaway cub to rightful king is a full-blown emotional saga that never gets old. And with Hans Zimmer’s iconic score performed live, don’t be surprised if those childhood feels come flooding back.
Back to the Future (August 5–6)
Marty McFly, a regular 17-year-old, gets launched 30 years into the past thanks to Doc Brown and his iconic time-traveling DeLorean. Chaos, paradoxes, and hoverboards follow. With Alan Silvestri’s music guiding every twist in time, this sci-fi cult classic hits even harder when the orchestra’s in the room.
Pirates of the Caribbean (August 7–8)
Before Jack Sparrow became a meme, he was out here dodging curses and chasing treasure with blacksmith Will Turner, who’s just trying to save the governor’s daughter he’s secretly in love with. Throw in some undead pirates, sword fights, and the legendary “He’s A Pirate” theme played live, and you’ve got one wild ride across the high seas.
A New Kind of Movie Night
This isn’t just about rewatching classic films — it’s about feeling them all over again. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or just into unforgettable nights out, the Riyadh Film Music Festival is where big movies and live music collide.
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