In 2018, Saudi Arabia lifted its ban on cinemas, aiming to shift from an oil-based economy to a vibrant entertainment hub. The plan was to invest in media and bring in international studios with tax incentives and top-notch facilities. However, eight years later, these ambitious goals have faced significant challenges.
One major setback came this year with the release of “Desert Warrior.” This $150 million film, starring Anthony Mackie, was marketed as Saudi Arabia’s big leap into the film industry but ended up grossing just $700,000 in two weeks. This flop highlights the kingdom’s ongoing struggles and the instability from regional conflicts, particularly the war in Iran.
Saudi Arabia, rich in oil, has a youthful population of over 35 million, with around 60% under 30. The country made a splash in the film world when “Black Panther” premiered in 2018, marking a new era of filmmaking. Still, the journey to becoming a global cinema player has been inconsistent.
This year at Cannes, there were no Saudi films showcased, a stark contrast to two years ago when “Norah,” an arthouse film, was selected but didn’t make waves. Hollywood has largely moved on from the backlash over the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which was linked to Saudi leadership. Nevertheless, Saudi investments in Hollywood remain strong, as seen by Electronic Arts being acquired for $55 billion by a group led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Rasha AlEmam, a prominent figure in the Saudi film industry, believes this acquisition will encourage U.S. studios to consider filming in Saudi Arabia. “The learning curve is steep,” says Egypt-based film analyst Alaa Karkouti. He sees progress, emphasizing that filmmaking isn’t just about spending big money.
The “Desert Warrior” situation raises questions about the future direction of Saudi filmmaking. Upcoming projects like “7 Dogs,” which aims to set a Guinness World Record with a massive explosion, exemplify the kingdom’s big-budget strategies. However, experts warn that spending alone won’t ensure success; a sound strategy is crucial.
Producer Mohamed Hefzy notes that building a sustainable film industry takes time. “Throwing money at inexperienced talent may lead to missed opportunities,” he advises.
The growing film industry saw the establishment of PlayMaker Studios near Riyadh, set to produce the epic “Unbroken Sword.” While high-profile projects like this generate excitement, smaller films reflecting daily life are also gaining recognition. For instance, “Mandoob,” a satirical thriller about a man turned bootlegger, not only succeeded at the Saudi box office but also caught international attention at the Toronto Film Festival.
Another local favorite, “Alzarfa: Escape from Hanhounia Hell,” performed well in Saudi Arabia, showcasing unique storytelling that resonates with audiences. Alaa Faden, CEO of Telfaz11 Studios, believes that these fresh narratives could help position Saudi Arabia as a significant player in global cinema.
Faden asserts that the world is yet to see the true essence and uniqueness of Saudi storytelling. “We just need time to refine our approach,” he says, expressing optimism for the future of Saudi cinema.
Source link
Cannes Film Festival,Saudi Arabia
