Saudi Arabia launches $100m film fund to boost local cinema

Saudi Arabia launches $100m film fund to boost local cinema
MEFIC Capital and Cultural Fund launch $100 million film fund to elevate Saudi cinema and foster worldwide collaborations (X/@cdf_sa)
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Updated 21 February 2024
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Saudi Arabia launches $100m film fund to boost local cinema

Saudi Arabia launches $100m film fund to boost local cinema

Jeddah: MEFIC Capital has unveiled the Saudi Film Fund, with a capital injection of SR375 million ($100 million) and 40 percent of its budget coming from the Kingdom’s Cultural Development Fund.

The move underscores Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning film sector and aims to spur investment in infrastructure projects in content production and distribution.

The Saudi Film Fund marks a strategic leap toward elevating local productions to international standards and marks the Cultural Fund’s maiden investment venture.

In collaboration with MEFIC Capital and Roaa Media Ventures, the initiative seeks to bolster international partnerships with major studios and deliver content that mirrors Saudi culture and values.

Roaa Media Ventures, the fund’s technical partner, plays a pivotal role with extensive industry expertise.

The initiative stems from the initial agreement inked by the Cultural Development Fund with MEFIC Capital and Roaa Media Ventures at the Cannes International Film Festival, aligning with the Film Sector Financing Program, aiming to bolster digital content in the Kingdom.

The Saudi film sector has seen an annual growth rate surpassing 25 percent, making it the largest consumer market for creative and cinematic content in the Arab world. This growth, fueled by the Ministry of Culture’s initiatives and the Quality of Life Program, aligns with Vision 2030’s objectives, reflecting a rising demand for cinematic works resonating with local consumers.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the Red Sea International Film Festival for the fourth consecutive year in December. The event is scheduled to take place at RSIFF’s new headquarters in Al-Balad, Jeddah, from Dec. 5-14.

Last year the festival featured 125 films from 75 countries. Its jury, led by acclaimed writer, director, and producer Baz Luhrmann, evaluated 17 feature films and 25 short films.

RSIFF represents a pivotal moment in the Kingdom’s cultural renaissance. As a premier event in the region, it not only displays the diversity and creativity of global cinema but also shines a spotlight on the flourishing Saudi film scene.

By offering a platform for Saudi filmmakers to showcase their work alongside international peers, the festival encourages the exchange of ideas, collaboration, and inspiration.


Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments
Updated 8 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a call from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency said.


Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister

Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister
Updated 9 min 8 sec ago
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Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister

Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister

Madinah Region Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Khalid bin Faisal recently met Indian Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju during his official visit to the Kingdom.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed arrangements for Indian Hajj pilgrims during their stay in Madinah, India’s Ministry of Minority Affairs said in an official statement.

Rijiju also visited the Hajj Terminals at the Jeddah and Madinah airports, and reviewed the facilities available for the arrival and departure of pilgrims as well as baggage handling.


International conference celebrates the camel as a pillar of Arab culture

International conference celebrates the camel as a pillar of Arab culture
Updated 16 January 2025
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International conference celebrates the camel as a pillar of Arab culture

International conference celebrates the camel as a pillar of Arab culture
  • Scholars highlight the camel’s role in Arab history and the Arabic language
  • Experts from Saudi Arabia and abroad gather in Riyadh

RIYADH: Scholars at a Riyadh conference this week underscored the fundamental role the camel has played in shaping Arab heritage, emphasizing the profound link between camels and the Arabic language.

King Saud University, in partnership with the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, is hosting the Fifth International Conference, titled “Camels in Arab Culture,” which ends on Thursday.

Prominent scholars and specialists from Saudi Arabia and abroad are participating in the conference, which is exploring key topics related to camels, including heritage, history and geography, and archaeological findings.

Hajed Al-Harbi, conference chairman, said: “Honoring camels is a tribute to our deep-rooted values and rich heritage, reflecting our pride in our origins and historical legacy.”

Ibrahim Al-Furaih, conference secretary, told Arab News how the conference underscores the central role camels have played in shaping Arabic literature and intellectual thought throughout history.

“Camels are a fundamental element of our national identity and Arab culture, with a significant presence in our heritage.

“Whether through literature, poetry, inscriptions, or the daily life of early Arabs, they have left an indelible mark. Their influence endures, continuing to shape the lives of Arabs to this day,” Al-Furaih said.

Bedoor Al-Fassam, chair of the public relations committee for the conference, said organizers spent months preparing for the event.

Dr. Al-Fassam, who is also an assistant professor of literature and criticism in the Arabic language department at the university, confirmed that conference participation requests exceeded 300, from which 40 research papers were selected. The submitted papers covered a wide range of fields, including literary, linguistic, historical, and social studies, in addition to anthropology research.

Alongside participants from Saudi universities, the conference features academics from Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and Canada.

The attendees discussed the definition of camels in language and lexicography, as well as their effect on cultural and national identity.

Additionally, they explored the role of camels in Arabic poetry, narrative storytelling and biographies, highlighting their significance in other literatures and cultures.

The conference further delved into the role of camels in the national economy, addressing sectors such as investment, tourism, and entertainment, in addition to camel festivals, sports and racing events.


Saudi ministry records 7,521 tourism violations

Saudi ministry records 7,521 tourism violations
Updated 15 January 2025
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Saudi ministry records 7,521 tourism violations

Saudi ministry records 7,521 tourism violations

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism revealed the results of its third-quarter 2024 inspections, involving 9,655 checks on hospitality facilities and tourism activities across the Kingdom.

During the period, 7,521 violations were identified and 11,494 complaints were addressed, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Common violations included operating without a license, poor cleanliness, failure to meet licensing conditions and non-compliance by facility representatives.

Makkah had the highest number of inspections with more than 3,600, followed by Riyadh with more than 1,350, Madinah with over 1,100 and the Eastern Province with more than 1,070. The remaining regions accounted for more than 2,500 inspections.

These efforts aim to enhance the tourism sector’s sustainability, ensure compliance with regulations, improve service quality and boost visitor experiences.


Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire agreement in Gaza

Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, January 15, 2025.Reuters
Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, January 15, 2025.Reuters
Updated 16 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire agreement in Gaza

Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, January 15, 2025.Reuters
  • Kingdom stresses need for adherence to the deal, end to aggression against Gaza, and withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the occupied territories

RIYADH: Saudi authorities welcomed the announcement of a Gaza ceasefire agreement on Wednesday and expressed the Kingdom’s appreciation for the efforts of mediators from Qatar, Egypt and the US.

The Kingdom stressed the need for adherence to the deal, an end to Israel’s aggression against Gaza, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory and all other occupied Palestinian and Arab lands.

It also highlighted the importance of building on the agreement by addressing the underlying reasons for the conflict and enabling the Palestinian people to secure their rights, the foremost of which is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Saudi Arabia expressed hope that the ceasefire deal would mark a permanent end to a brutal Israeli war that claimed the lives of more than 45,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 100,000.