Saudi Arabia’s film industry has witnessed a significant cultural and financial shift and dramatic transformation under the aspirational “Vision 2030” economic diversification agenda. After a 35-year ban on theatres, the country is now significantly supporting a local film industry, hosting international film events, and developing fresh talent.
Notwithstanding ongoing debates on censorship and artistic freedom, the swift growth of Saudi film shows not only the Kingdom’s ambition to diversify its income but also a broader transformation in cultural norms.
Historical Context And Lifting Of The Cinema Ban
Under the strict ban on cinemas imposed by Saudi Arabia for more than thirty years, ultraconservative religious leaders, who considered movies a threat to moral and social standards, guided the nation. This restriction left many Saudi filmmakers and actors with minimal options, so they either looked for work overseas or worked on covert projects.
However, the removal of the prohibition in 2018 signalled a fresh chapter for Saudi culture in keeping with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s broader modernisation projects for the nation.
Opening theatres marked a turning point in the country’s cultural renaissance. It was about showcasing Saudi Arabia as the hub for the creative arts and endorsing travel and investment—not merely for leisure. The act also aligned with global trends, recognising the impact of movies as tools for diplomacy, storytelling, and economic development.
Rise Of The Red Sea International Film Festival
One of the clearest signals of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to films is the Red Sea International Film Festival. Beginning in 2019 and held annually in Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district, the festival has expanded to become a significant event showcasing Saudi talent and presenting films from around the world.
The festival’s relevance attracted major Hollywood and Bollywood stars, including Viola Davis and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The recognition of Saudi artists such as Roula Dakheelallah, who brought home the Chopard Emerging Saudi Talent award, highlights the growing opportunities available to domestic filmmakers. Movies like ‘My Driver and I’, which, despite early difficulties, came to represent the evolving film landscape of the Kingdom, have also benefited from this celebration.
Industry Development And Infrastructure Funding
Apart from festivals, Saudi Arabia is heavily financing infrastructure to support the film industry. Recently opened on the outskirts of Riyadh by the General Entertainment Authority, Al Hisn Studios is one of the largest production facilities in the Middle East. Designed to be self-sustaining, these facilities include film studios, a production town, and workshops covering several crafts.
Saudi Arabia also has great aspirations for the expansion of its film sector; by 2030, it aims to have 350 theatres with more than 2,500 screens. As of April 2024, 66 theatres across 22 cities were already screening local films alongside Hollywood and Bollywood productions. These initiatives are projected to generate thousands of jobs and noticeably increase the national GDP.
Role Of Digital Platforms
Much of Saudi Arabia’s film industry recovery can be attributed to the digital revolution. Originally launched as a YouTube channel in 2011, Telfaz11 is a media organisation that has been significant in defining the current Saudi story. By producing series, short films, and outstanding digital content, Telfaz11 opens doors for a new generation of directors.
Signing a contract with Netflix to produce original Saudi content in 2020, Telfaz11 marked a turning point, reflecting the global attraction of Saudi narratives. Recent works like ‘Mandoob’ (Night Courier) and ‘Naga’ have explored previously taboo issues, including secret nightlife and changing social traditions, demonstrating the industry’s willingness to defy restrictions while balancing cultural sensitivities.
The expansion of the entertainment sector represents a more widespread cultural transformation in Saudi Arabia than merely a financial one. Filmmakers like Ahd Kamel and actors like Roula Dakheelallah, who craft storylines reflecting both traditional and modern aspects of Saudi society, are leading forces of this change.
While censorship remains an issue, the fact that once-forbidden films are now produced and valued highlights progress. Noted Saudi writer and director Hana Al-Omair said, “We definitely have a long way to go before we can tell the Saudi narrative as it should be.”
Still, every film released and every challenge overcome brings Saudi film one step closer to that goal.