Saudi Film Commission participates in Berlin International Film Festival

The commission’s delegation included specialists and Saudi filmmakers, in addition to representatives of non-profit associations. (Supplied)
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Updated 02 March 2023
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Saudi Film Commission participates in Berlin International Film Festival

  • The commission hosted nearly 150 producers, directors, media professionals, and filmmakers from all over the world at a luncheon in cooperation with Film AlUla and NEOM

BERLIN: The Saudi Film Commission has participated in a variety of cinematic events during the Berlin International Film Festival to introduce the Saudi film industry and highlight its financial incentives, ideal locations for production, and the initiatives and programs offered by the commission to develop this industry locally.

The commission’s delegation included specialists and Saudi filmmakers, in addition to representatives of non-profit associations. The delegation attended several specialized workshops and met with a group of international experts and filmmakers.

The commission hosted nearly 150 producers, directors, media professionals, and filmmakers from all over the world at a luncheon in cooperation with Film AlUla and NEOM, highlighting the commission’s programs and initiatives and promoting filming sites in the Kingdom.

Some of the commission’s initiatives include the incentive program that offers cashback of up to 40 percent on the costs of films produced in the Kingdom, talent development and support programs such as the Filmmakers Program, opportunities for higher education and academic cinematic majors in cooperation with Saudi universities, in addition to investment opportunities in infrastructure to develop the sector and provide commercial services and opportunities for logistical companies.

The commission’s strategic targets fall in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to develop and diversify the economic base and increase employment rates.

The Berlin International Film Festival is one of the five most important festivals in the film industry in the world, and it is a diverse festival that represents a space for the convergence of cinematic cultures, and embraces the European film market, as well as includes various and comprehensive dialogue sessions in various cinematic fields.

 
 


Foreign ministers chair Saudi-Omani coordination council meeting in Muscat

Updated 57 min 38 sec ago
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Foreign ministers chair Saudi-Omani coordination council meeting in Muscat

MUSCAT: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi on Monday.

They reviewed bilateral relations between their nations and ways to enhance and develop them across various fields. Additionally, they discussed regional and international developments.

The ministers co-chaired the third meeting of the Saudi-Omani Coordination Council in the Omani capital, Muscat, with the participation of the heads of the Council’s subsidiary committees and the two heads of the Council’s General Secretariat teams.

The meeting comes as an affirmation of the keenness of Saudi and Omani leaders to strengthen ties and advance them toward greater prosperity for both nations.

In his remarks during the meeting, Prince Faisal affirmed that gathering builds on the previous council meeting, held last year in AlUla, and on its positive and fruitful outcomes within the framework of the approved recommendations and initiatives. 

He stressed the importance of continuing the work of the council’s subsidiary committees to complete the necessary procedures to implement the remaining initiatives, and of the General Secretariat’s role in follow-up and in addressing any challenges that may hinder implementation.

He also underscored the importance of developing and enhancing trade relations, stimulating investment, and strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors.

He also praised the ongoing work to establish and launch the Coordination Council’s electronic platform, which aims to connect all committee work and initiatives to facilitate follow-up on the Council’s progress. 

Al-Busaidi affirmed in his remarks the qualitative progress in relations between the two countries and the notable development witnessed across numerous sectors toward achieving economic integration and enhancing intra-trade and joint investments. 

The Omani foreign minister also highlighted deeper cooperation in the security and judicial fields, as well as the cultural and tourism sectors, noting the advanced and continuous political cooperation, consultation, and coordination on regional and international issues.