Saudi Film Commission
{{Short description|KSA agency to promote film industry}}
{{Infobox government agency
| seal =
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| logo = File:Saudi Film Commission Logo.svg
| formed = {{Start date and age|2020}}
| jurisdiction = Government of Saudi Arabia
| headquarters = Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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| chief1_name = Abdullah Al-Eyaf
| chief1_position = CEO
| chief2_name = Abduljalil Al-Nasser
| chief2_position = General Manager, Sector Development and Investment{{cite news |last1=Vourlias |first1=Christopher |title=Saudi Filmmakers Tout Public and Private Support for Burgeoning Biz, Look for ‘New Dialogue’ on Taboo Subjects |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/global/saudi-arabia-industry-boom-human-rights-1235437973/ |access-date=14 May 2024 |agency=Variety}}
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| website = [https://film.moc.gov.sa/en 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.{{cite news |last1=Lodderhose |first1=Diana |title=Saudi Arabia Film Commission Unveils Strategy To Establish Country As Global Film Hub |url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/saudi-arabia-film-commission-strategy-establish-country-global-production-hub-cinema-sector-1202147020/ |access-date=15 May 2024 |agency=Deadline}}
History
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.{{cite news |last1=Kinninmont |first1=Jane |title=Saudi Arabia: Why is going to the cinema suddenly OK? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43738718 |access-date=14 May 2024 |agency=BBC}} The Saudi Film Commission was founded as a branch of the Ministry of Culture in February 2020 to bolster the country's film industry.{{cite web |title=About |url=https://film.moc.gov.sa/en |website=Saudi Film Commission |access-date=14 May 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Proctor |first1=Rebecca Anne |title=From AlUla to Cannes: Saudi film industry blooms six years after cinema ban is lifted |url=https://circuit.news/2024/04/29/from-alula-to-cannes-saudi-film-industry-blooms-six-years-after-cinema-ban-is-lifted/|access-date=14 May 2024 |agency=The Circuit}}
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.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-01 |title=Film Commission joins AFCI boosting Saudi Arabia’s position in global film industry |url=http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/article/643951/SAUDI-ARABIA/Film-Commission-joins-AFCI-boosting-Saudi-Arabias-position-in-global-film-industry |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=Saudigazette |language=English}}
Initiatives
= 101 Film Studio =
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.{{cite web |title=Studio 101 Films |url=https://engage.moc.gov.sa/101_film_studio#section-stages |website=Ministry of Culture |access-date=15 May 2024}}
= Daw' Film Competition =
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.{{cite news |title=Contest launched to finance Saudi films with prizes up to SR40 million |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1561706/saudi-arabia |access-date=14 May 2024 |agency=Arab News}} The contest is now administered through the Saudi Film Commission.{{cite web |last1=Best |first1=Kiann |title=Saudi Arabia presents four features from Daw competition winners |url=https://www.thelocationguide.com/2022/09/saudi-arabia-presents-four-features-from-daw-competition-winners/ |website=The Location Guide |access-date=15 May 2024}}
= Filmmakers Program =
The Saudi Film Commission Filmmakers Program was established in 2021 to train and support local talent through the filmmaking process.{{cite web |title=Filmmakers Program |url=https://engage.moc.gov.sa/e/filmmakers/ |website=Ministry of Culture |access-date=15 May 2024}}
= Film Saudi =
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.{{cite news |last1=Vivarelli |first1=Nick |title=Saudi Arabia Launches 40% Film Production Rebate |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/saudi-arabia-40-film-production-rebate-1235278230/ |access-date=14 May 2024 |agency=Variety}}