The $30 million toe in the water

The upcoming films Unbroken Sword and Desert Warrior highlight Saudi Arabia's rise as a global film production hub, with Unbroken Sword depicting the pivotal Battle of Yarmuk and Desert Warrior exploring the Sassanid revolt.. Both productions capitalize on Saudi's new infrastructure,including Qiddiya's Playmaker Studios and regional hubs like Neom and AlUla.

The Saudi Film Commission's incentives of up to 40% are a key draw, signaling a strategic diversification beyond oil. This trend marks a significant cultral and economic shift for the Kingdom.

An echo of Sydney's 2024 institutional buy-up

The trend marks a significant cultural and economic shift for the Kingdom, with the Saudi Film Commission offering incentives of up to 40% to local, regional, and international film production companies.

For a mid-budget Hollywood feature of $50 million, that can translate into a saving of $20 million.. The early years of this film boom will inevitably be dominated by big-budget epics in spectacular desert settings.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

The producers, backers, and the Saudi Film Commission itself are just as eager to attract projects with smaller budgets and films covering all genres.

Take the 2024 film Kpops! As the name suggests, the plot is about a rapper trying to break into the South Korea music scene. The action takes place in LA, Seoul - and the magical and historic province of Saudi Arabia's AlUla.

Broader context

From the swords and sandals epics of the early 1960s to Ridley Scott's Gladiator films, the battles and rebellions of the ancient world have long been a rich source of material for movie directors.

Our understanding of the conflicts that shaped our world has been led by movies like Ben Hur, 300 and Cleopatra. But how many of us know about the Battle of the Yarmuk that took place in 636AD?

Open questions

What is the long-term impact of this film boom on Saudi Arabia's economy and culture?

Will the Saudi Film Commission's incentives continue to attract high-profile shoots ,bringing with them significant tourism and wider economic benefits?

What auditors flagged in the May filing

The Saudi Film Commission's financials have not been made public, but it's clear that the commission is investing heavily in infrastructure and talent development.

The commission's budget for 2024 is expected to be significantly higher than in previous years, with a focus on attracting more international productions.