Since its establishment in 2020, the Film Commission has spearheaded a qualitative transformation of the sector by supporting dozens of film projects. It has strengthened the Kingdom’s position as a global filming destination by attracting both local and international productions while developing advanced infrastructure. Its initiatives and training programs have also empowered national talents and solidified the international presence of Saudi cinema.
FILM SAUDI
CULTURAL EVENTS
BOX OFFICE
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Introduction
The 2024 Saudi Film Industry Yearbook—published by the Saudi Film Commission—is the first comprehensive, data-driven reference on the Kingdom’s film sector. It consolidates sector-wide data across six pillars— Saudi box office, production infrastructure, public funding & incentives, talent development, film archiving, and festivals & awards—to document the industry’s accelerating momentum.
Milestones and Transformative Shifts
Training Programs
Joined by more than 5,000 trainees in 2024,
alongside the Filmathon initiative,
which combined digital training
with practical innovation.
Saudi Locations
Hosted the filming of both
local & international movies,
including scenes shot in
Riyadh, Makkah, & Tabuk,
further enhancing the Kingdom's
appeal as a global filming destination.
Film Projects
Supported between 2020–2024
through Daw & Cash Rebate programs.
Saudi Cinema
Saudi cinema witnessed significant growth in 2024, strengthening its local and international presence. A total of 18 Saudi films were screened in cinemas, generating more than 56 million SAR in revenues, while the total revenue for the Saudi cinema reached 845 million SAR, with more than 17.5 million tickets sold ــ clear evidence of growing audience demand.
On the global stage, over 50 Saudi films won prestigious awards, including 11 supported by incentive programs. Among the highlights was the participation of Norah at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, where it received special recognition.
The year also marked strong box office performances for Saudi productions, with Shabab Al-Bomb 2 topping audience turnout, alongside Night Courier (Mandoub Al-Layl), which achieved remarkable success and attracted a wide range of viewers.
With this rapid growth in the Saudi film landscape, we invite you to stay updated on the latest data and upcoming reports that outline the sector’s future trajectory.
Film Archiving
The National Film Archive is one of the Film Commission’s strategic projects, dedicated to preserving and maintaining Saudi cinematic content to ensure its sustainability for future generations. In 2024, it made tangible progress in documenting the national visual memory and supporting research and specialized studies.
As part of strengthening this strategic role, the National Film Archive welcomes filmmakers and all those interested in the field to deposit their works and preserve them within this national record, contributing to the enrichment of Saudi cinema’s memory.
We invite you to deposit your films through the following link: Film Page | MOC.
As part of strengthening this strategic role, the National Film Archive welcomes filmmakers and all those interested in the field to deposit their works and preserve them within this national record, contributing to the enrichment of Saudi cinema’s memory.
We invite you to deposit your films through the following link: Film Page | MOC.
Funding
The Film Commission launched a range of funding programs to support local production and attract international projects, most notably the Daw program and the Cash Rebate scheme. These initiatives have contributed to supporting dozens of film projects, including Saudi works that achieved commercial success as well as major international productions filmed in the Kingdom. They represent a central pillar in building an integrated production ecosystem and fostering partnerships with leading global companies, thereby enhancing the Kingdom’s competitiveness on the international cinema map.
Between Cinema and People
Red Sea International Film Festival
Saudi Film Confex
Saudi Film Nights
FAQ
What is the size of the cinema market in the Kingdom in 2024?
More than 17.5 million tickets were sold, generating revenues exceeding 845 million SAR.
How does the Film Commission support film production?
Through funding programs such as Daw and the Cash Rebate, 64 projects were supported between 2020–2024
What were the key film events hosted by the Kingdom in 2024?
Red Sea International Film Festival, Saudi Film Festival, Saudi Film Confex, Film Criticism Conference and its Forums
How does the Film Commission work to preserve Saudi Arabia’s cinematic heritage?
Through the National Film Archive, where 6,439 items were acquired and 1,029 items catalogued in 2024, ensuring the preservation of the visual memory for future generations.
