Saudi Film Confex Highlights Kingdom's Rising Influence in Filmmaking Industry
Event attracts major Saudi companies and global stars, showcasing Riyadh as a burgeoning hub for cinema.
Riyadh: The Saudi Film Confex, which took place from Oct. 22 to 25, has emerged as a pivotal platform for the Kingdom's creative industries, uniting local talent, international studios, and investors under one roof, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the filmmaking industry.
Hollywood star Johnny Depp delivered a masterclass on 'The Genius of Embodying Different Roles,' providing insights into his artistic process.
Hosted by Saudi actress Fatima Al-Banawi, this session was attended by a diverse audience interested in learning from Depp’s experience spanning four decades in the industry.
Now in its third year, the Saudi Film Confex is becoming increasingly significant for the Kingdom's creative sectors.
The event featured an extensive exhibition, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, showcasing not only filmmaking but also other aspects of the creative economy.
Film AlUla’s acting executive director Zaid Shaker described the Kingdom's filmmaking progress as 'nothing short of transformative,' emphasizing its organic growth and strategic national investment.
Film AlUla has been a driving force behind this transformation, offering infrastructure, incentives, and natural landscapes attractive to both local and international productions.
Shaker highlighted that Saudi filmmakers such as Shahad Ameen and Tawfik Alzaidi are gaining global recognition, contributing to the Kingdom's new cinematic identity.
He also credited government initiatives for building an integrated ecosystem fostering creativity and professionalism.
Film AlUla’s collaborations extend across various sectors of the creative economy, including partnerships with the Red Sea Fund that support co-productions such as 'Hijra,' filmed entirely in AlUla.
Shaker expressed optimism about a new generation of filmmakers rooted in Saudi Arabia and inspired by its landscapes and stories.
Abdulaziz Nayta from Arabia Pictures described his company's role as a one-stop shop for transforming creative ideas into intellectual properties, offering financial backing and industry expertise.
The company is involved in a wide range of projects including films, series, gaming, and events, adapting Arabic stories for global audiences while exploring international brand collaborations.
The Saudi Entertainment Academy (SEA), which made its debut at the event, attracted significant interest from attendees.
Founded in 2019, SEA provides training programs aimed directly at employment opportunities in entertainment and event management.
The success of the Saudi Film Confex reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader cultural transformation under Vision 2030, with film and entertainment playing a central role in economic diversification and showcasing authentic Saudi stories to the world.
By fostering collaboration, nurturing local talent, and attracting global expertise, the event solidifies its position as the Kingdom's premier filmmaking industry event.
Hollywood star Johnny Depp delivered a masterclass on 'The Genius of Embodying Different Roles,' providing insights into his artistic process.
Hosted by Saudi actress Fatima Al-Banawi, this session was attended by a diverse audience interested in learning from Depp’s experience spanning four decades in the industry.
Now in its third year, the Saudi Film Confex is becoming increasingly significant for the Kingdom's creative sectors.
The event featured an extensive exhibition, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, showcasing not only filmmaking but also other aspects of the creative economy.
Film AlUla’s acting executive director Zaid Shaker described the Kingdom's filmmaking progress as 'nothing short of transformative,' emphasizing its organic growth and strategic national investment.
Film AlUla has been a driving force behind this transformation, offering infrastructure, incentives, and natural landscapes attractive to both local and international productions.
Shaker highlighted that Saudi filmmakers such as Shahad Ameen and Tawfik Alzaidi are gaining global recognition, contributing to the Kingdom's new cinematic identity.
He also credited government initiatives for building an integrated ecosystem fostering creativity and professionalism.
Film AlUla’s collaborations extend across various sectors of the creative economy, including partnerships with the Red Sea Fund that support co-productions such as 'Hijra,' filmed entirely in AlUla.
Shaker expressed optimism about a new generation of filmmakers rooted in Saudi Arabia and inspired by its landscapes and stories.
Abdulaziz Nayta from Arabia Pictures described his company's role as a one-stop shop for transforming creative ideas into intellectual properties, offering financial backing and industry expertise.
The company is involved in a wide range of projects including films, series, gaming, and events, adapting Arabic stories for global audiences while exploring international brand collaborations.
The Saudi Entertainment Academy (SEA), which made its debut at the event, attracted significant interest from attendees.
Founded in 2019, SEA provides training programs aimed directly at employment opportunities in entertainment and event management.
The success of the Saudi Film Confex reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader cultural transformation under Vision 2030, with film and entertainment playing a central role in economic diversification and showcasing authentic Saudi stories to the world.
By fostering collaboration, nurturing local talent, and attracting global expertise, the event solidifies its position as the Kingdom's premier filmmaking industry event.
