Saudi Film Commission
 | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 2020 |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Saudi Arabia |
| Headquarters | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Agency executives |
|
| Website | Official English Website |
The Saudi Film Commission is a commission of the Ministry of Culture within the government of Saudi Arabia. The organization was established to promote the country's film industry.[2]
History
[edit]In 2018, a 35-year ban on cinemas was lifted in Saudi Arabia as part of the country's broader modernization efforts overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.[3] The Saudi Film Commission was founded as a branch of the Ministry of Culture in February 2020 to bolster the country's film industry.[4][5]
In June 2024, the Saudi Film Commission became a member of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) to enhance Saudi Arabia's presence in the global film industry and facilitate collaboration between national production companies and local talents with international counterparts.[6]
Initiatives
[edit]101 Film Studio
[edit]The 101 Film Studio is a partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Education to provide film education to middle and high school students in the country.[7]
Daw' Film Competition
[edit]In 2019, prior to the official founding of the Saudi Film Commission, the Ministry of Culture established the Daw' Competition to financially support young Saudi filmmakers.[8] The contest is now administered through the Saudi Film Commission.[9]
Filmmakers Program
[edit]The Saudi Film Commission Filmmakers Program was established in 2021 to train and support local talent through the filmmaking process.[10]
Film Saudi
[edit]Representatives of the commission announced Film Saudi, a 40% cash rebate program to incentivize productions that film in the kingdom and hire local talent, at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.[11]
References
[edit]- ^ Vourlias, Christopher. "Saudi Filmmakers Tout Public and Private Support for Burgeoning Biz, Look for 'New Dialogue' on Taboo Subjects". Variety. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ Lodderhose, Diana. "Saudi Arabia Film Commission Unveils Strategy To Establish Country As Global Film Hub". Deadline. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ Kinninmont, Jane. "Saudi Arabia: Why is going to the cinema suddenly OK?". BBC. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ "About". Saudi Film Commission. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ Proctor, Rebecca Anne. "From AlUla to Cannes: Saudi film industry blooms six years after cinema ban is lifted". The Circuit. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ "Film Commission joins AFCI boosting Saudi Arabia's position in global film industry". Saudigazette. 2024-07-01. Retrieved 2024-07-16.
- ^ "Studio 101 Films". Ministry of Culture. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ "Contest launched to finance Saudi films with prizes up to SR40 million". Arab News. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ Best, Kiann. "Saudi Arabia presents four features from Daw competition winners". The Location Guide. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ "Filmmakers Program". Ministry of Culture. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ Vivarelli, Nick. "Saudi Arabia Launches 40% Film Production Rebate". Variety. Retrieved 14 May 2024.