When we talk about the film industry in Saudi Arabia, we are witnessing a major transformation in recent years. Several years ago, cinema was completely prohibited in the Kingdom, but with the passage of time, Saudi Arabia witnessed radical changes in cultural and entertainment policies, which led to the opening of the doors to the cinema industry and its remarkable development.
These developments come as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and promote culture and entertainment. Through Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia launched several initiatives to support the film industry, including establishing the Saudi Film Authority and providing financial and administrative support to local cinema projects.
One concrete example of this development is the opening of cinema halls in Saudi Arabia after decades of ban. The first cinema hall opened in the Kingdom in 2018, and since then, cinema halls have spread throughout the country. This opening was not just an opening for cinema houses, but rather it was considered an opportunity for local directors and producers to showcase their work and direct their message to the public.
As interest in the film industry increased in Saudi Arabia, universities and institutes began offering educational programs in the field of cinema and filmmaking, which helps develop the capabilities of talented young people and motivate them to engage in this field.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a growth in the number of local and international film festivals it hosts, which contributes to enhancing cultural and artistic interaction and exchanging experiences between Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world in the field of cinema.
With all these transformations and the support that the film industry has received in Saudi Arabia, the future seems promising for this sector. Not only does it contribute to providing new job opportunities and strengthening the local economy, but it also contributes to enriching the cultural and recreational life of citizens and residents of the Kingdom, and enhances cultural ties and cultural exchange with the outside world.
