Saudi Arabia has raised its film incentive to a headline 60% to attract film productions to the Kingdom.
Announced at Cannes by The Saudi Film Commission, the cash rebate programme has increased from 40% to up to 60% of eligible expenditures to support the growth of its film production sector.
The Commission said the increase was part of an overall update of its incentive programme that would include “improved and accelerated disbursement processes, enhancing cash flow efficiency for production companies and creating a more supportive operating environment for project delivery in line with production timelines.”
The Commission is working with several national organisations, notably the Cultural Development Fund, for what it described as an enhanced model for managing and disbursing incentives.
“This model will improve the overall beneficiary experience, increase operational efficiency, expedite processing timelines, and provide integrated financing solutions to support film projects,” said the Commission.
The update will also include enhanced evaluation mechanisms to ensure sustainable value for film projects.
Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Qahtani, CEO of the Saudi Film Commission, said: “The announcement represents an extension of the Kingdom’s vision to build a sustainable film sector rooted in empowerment and partnership.”
He added, “Over the past period, we have worked on developing a number of regulatory and operational aspects related to the incentives program, most notably the launch of the financial audit and disbursement procedures guide, with the aim of improving implementation efficiency and providing filmmakers with greater clarity. Through the program, we are focused on developing an integrated ecosystem that enables filmmakers to work with confidence, empowers the private sector, and attracts quality investments that contribute to transferring expertise and knowledge to local talent.”
The CEO of the Cultural Development Fund, Majed bin Abdulmohsen Al‑Hugail, said: “The efforts to enhance the mechanisms for disbursing incentives come as part of a broader strategy for the cultural sector, through the development of financial and operational solutions that support the sustainability of cultural projects.”
He added: “Today, the speed and clarity of procedures have become key factors shaping production and investment decisions in the global film industry. Through this program, we aim to provide a more efficient and flexible experience that meets the needs of projects at various stages and strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a reliable partner for international productions.”
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