Saudi Media Forum president engages with global production experts to shape media’s future

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Updated 25 February 2025
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Saudi Media Forum president engages with global production experts to shape media’s future

  • Riyadh meeting aimed to explore strategic collaborations and innovative content production opportunities
  • Attendees included David Abraham, CEO of Wonderhouse Studios; Amanda Palmer, Founder of ArtCinema; Rob Leighton, SVP of Global Liberty; Jordi Molla, Multi-Award-Winning Director; and Kazuko Ishikawa, President of Nippon Animation

RIYADH: In a groundbreaking discussion on the future of global media production, the President of the Saudi Media Forum, Mohammed Fahad Al-Harthi, met with a distinguished group of international experts and industry leaders. The high-profile meeting, held in Riyadh, aimed to explore strategic collaborations and innovative content production opportunities that align with Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming a global media powerhouse.

Among the attendees were David Abraham, CEO of Wonderhouse Studios; Amanda Palmer, Founder of ArtCinema; Rob Leighton, SVP of Global Liberty; Jordi Molla, Multi-Award-Winning Director; and Kazuko Ishikawa, President of Nippon Animation. The discussions revolved around co-production models, investment in high-quality content, and the integration of advanced technologies in media production.

President Al-Harthi emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a dynamic media ecosystem, highlighting the country’s investment in accelerators, incubators, and production funds designed to support international partnerships. “The future of media is built on collaboration, innovation, and cross-border content creation. We are excited to work with global leaders to shape a new era of storytelling,” he stated.

The meeting also addressed the importance of AI in content creation, the evolving landscape of streaming platforms, and the role of Saudi Arabia as a hub for global media projects. The experts expressed enthusiasm about potential partnerships, particularly in film, animation, and immersive media experiences.

This dialogue marks a significant step in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position in the global media industry, paving the way for co-productions, content distribution agreements, and knowledge exchange between local and international players.


Tunisian journalist Chatha BelHajj Mubarak freed after sentence cut

Updated 14 January 2026
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Tunisian journalist Chatha BelHajj Mubarak freed after sentence cut

  • The court cut her sentence from five years to two, ‌making her eligible for ‌immediate release, ‌her ⁠brother ​told ‌Reuters

TUNIS: A Tunisian appeal court on Wednesday ordered the release of journalist Chatha ​BelHajj Mubarak, jailed since 2023 in a conspiracy case, after reducing her prison sentence, her family said.
The court cut her sentence from five years to two, ‌making her eligible for ‌immediate release, ‌her ⁠brother ​told ‌Reuters.
She was convicted in the so-called “Instalingo” case, which involved politicians, media figures and other defendants accused of conspiracy and financial crimes. BelHajj Mubarak denied the charges.
“Chatha ⁠is free and leaving prison,” ‌her brother, Amen BelHajj Mubarak, ‍said.
He said ‍her health had severely ‍deteriorated during her time in prison. She suffered serious complications, including significant hearing loss, and was diagnosed ​with cancer in detention, he added.
Tunisian authorities have said the ⁠case stems from judicial investigations into alleged financial and security-related offenses, and have rejected accusations by opposition groups that the prosecutions were politically motivated.
Tunisian prosecutors are pursuing a number of high-profile conspiracy cases involving politicians, journalists and activists. Several opposition ‌leaders have received lengthy prison terms.