In recent years, Saudi Arabia has undergone a cultural change in the realm of cinema. The lifting of the cinema ban in 2018 was a crucial moment as it signaled the Kingdom’s readiness to embrace storytelling through film.
This newfound freedom gave the opportunity for the growth of local filmmaking and the ability to explore diverse genres—from heartfelt dramas to thrilling comedies.
One of the standout figures in this cinematic progress is Haifaa Al-Mansour, the first woman to direct a feature film in Saudi Arabia.
That feature film was al-Mansour’s 2012 Wadjda which marked the first feature film filmed entirely in Saudi Arabia and the first directed by a Saudi woman.
The film received international recognition, winning accolades like Best International Feature at the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Dubai International Film Festival. It was also Saudi Arabia’s official entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2014 Academy Awards, although it did not make the shortlist.
Moreover, Al-Mansour’s work has resonated on international platforms, earning accolades and even an Oscar submission for her 2019 film, Al-murashahat al-muthalia (The Perfect Candidate).
Emerging filmmakers are also making waves on the global stage.
Tawfik Alzaidi’s 2023 Norah made history as the first Saudi film to be part of the official selection at the Cannes Film Festival.
Norah is set in a 1990s Saudi Arabian village, and delves into a community constrained by various restrictions, including a severe ban on all forms of drawing.
Actors are stepping into the limelight, too. Faisal Al-Dokhei’s captivating performance in the 2020 Had Al Tar (The Tambour of Retribution) earned him the Best Acting Performance award at the Cairo International Film Festival, while the film itself garnered the Special Jury Prize.
Additionally, the Kingdom’s commitment to nurturing its film industry is evident through initiatives like the Saudi Film Commission, which provides funding, training, and resources to aspiring filmmakers.
The Red Sea International Film Festival, launched in 2021, provides a platform to showcase Saudi and regional talent while also featuring international filmmakers and industry professionals. The festival includes film screenings, workshops, and networking events that facilitate collaboration and cultural exchange.
Economic impact: Cinema as part of Vision 2030
By 2024, the Kingdom had set up more than 630 screens in 60 locations, aiming to surpass 1,000 screens by 2030. This swift growth is anticipated to produce over 7,000 direct and indirect jobs, while the overall entertainment sector could create as many as 450,000 jobs and contribute 4.2 percent to GDP by the decade’s conclusion.
The government has also invested more than SAR 3.5 billion (USD 933 million) into cinema infrastructure, encompassing content creation, technology, and theater development, including in underserved areas.
Saudi Arabia’s film initiatives function as a form of strategic cultural soft power. Programs such as the 40 percent film production rebate and the SAR 874 million (USD 233 million). Cultural Fund are incentivizing both local and international filmmakers to create works within the Kingdom.
Cinema is also driving tourism and cultural engagement. The Quality of Life Program has supported the opening of dozens of theaters and entertainment venues, contributing to the arrival of entertainment-seeking visitors.
Finally, cinematic projects spotlight Saudi Arabia’s heritage and futuristic landscapes—from AlUla to NEOM—spotlighting the Kingdom’s visual appeal internationally and positioning it as both a production hub and travel destination.
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