In a significant move that further highlights Saudi Arabia's burgeoning ambitions to become a global entertainment hub, NEOM Media and Hakawati Entertainment have announced a strategic partnership.

This groundbreaking agreement will produce up to nine feature films and establish a world-class production services division in the futuristic city of NEOM, and the collaboration aims to elevate the Kingdom's film industry to international standards and attract top-tier talent from around the world.

Saudi Director & FIlm Maker: Moe Alatawi

Saudi Director & FIlm Maker: Moe Alatawi

2023-12/Moe Alatawi Within Sand Red Sea Film Festival on set

NEOM, a visionary project spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is rapidly transforming into a state-of-the-art media hub, boasting cutting-edge soundstages, diverse shooting locations, and extensive production support. By leveraging this infrastructure, NEOM Media and Hakawati Entertainment plan to produce a diverse range of films, from epic historical dramas to contemporary thrillers.

This partnership is not just about producing films; it is expected that this collaboration will aim to nurture both local and international talent and will also encourage the building of a sustainable film industry.

The collaboration will focus on developing Saudi talent through intensive training programs and workshops. By providing opportunities for aspiring filmmakers to learn from industry experts and work on high-profile projects, NEOM and Hakawati aim to create a new generation of Saudi storytellers.

Canva Film Set

filming film set via unsplash jakob-owens

Hakawati Entertainment will establish a world-class production services division within NEOM, staffed by seasoned Hollywood professionals. This division will provide essential support services, including casting, production design, and post-production, to both local and international productions.

As Saudi Arabia continues to open up to the world, this partnership between NEOM Media and Hakawati Entertainment represents a significant step forward in the Kingdom's journey to become a global cultural powerhouse. With its stunning landscapes, generous incentives, and growing infrastructure, NEOM is poised to become the Hollywood of the Middle East.

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Saudi's Growing Film Industry

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - NOVEMBER 11: The Red Sea International Film Festival hosts annual festival press conference at the brand-new headquarters in Al Balad on November 11, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Darren Arthur/Getty Images for Red Sea International Film Festival)

Red Sea Film Festival Al Balad Jeddah via GettyImages-2184202491

Moe Alatawi Within Sand Red Sea Film Festival 1

A relatively new industry for the Kingdom, the creative arena of film making is steadily growing, and has emerged as a dynamic force on the global cinematic stage.

The Kingdom's focus on the industry has undergone a rapid transformation, fuelled by significant investments and government initiatives. A key catalyst for this growth is the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF), a prestigious event held annually in Jeddah. The festival showcases a diverse range of films from around the world, providing a platform for emerging filmmakers and fostering international collaborations.

The Kingdom has quickly established itself as a major player in the global film festival circuit, attracting renowned directors, actors, and industry professionals.

Nourah Red Sea Film Festival AlUla 6

And recently, in one of the most notable milestones for Saudi cinema, was the selection of the film "Norah" for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. This groundbreaking achievement marked a significant moment for the Kingdom's film industry, drawing international attention to its burgeoning talent and storytelling capabilities.

Numerous efforts have been implemented in an aim to attract both international and regional productions, foster local talent, and position Saudi Arabia as a leading destination for filmmakers.

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