New Hollywood Movie Gets Green Signal To Shoot In AlUla Region Of Saudi Arabia

AlUla Film Department at the AlUla Royal Commission has signed treaties to allow the shooting of three films in the region – an American movie and two Saudi films!

Saudi “In Sands” projects are directed by Muhammad Al-Atawee and “Nourah” by Tawfeeq Al-Zayedi. The Hollywood film is yet to be named. The details will be disclosed by the end of 2021, according to sources.

How Did They Get Permission?

The Film Commission in the Department of Culture will fund both Saudi films and will work with Film dept. at AlUla to meet all shooting needs in AlUla.

The agreements were signed following the success of the American movie “Cherry” directed by Anthony and Joe Russo.

Scenes from “Cherry” were shot in AlUla and Riyadh, the first time in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with Film AlUla which is working hard to attract Saudi and international talent to shoot movies here.

Developing Film Industry In Middle East

Mohammad Al-Asmari, a director of a documentary style movie has said that the exchange of technology in the film industry is a great incentive for Saudi talent, noting that the industry is a source of income and stimulates local and foreign investors.

Al-Asmari commended the Film Commission for promoting the success of Saudi production and setting up a regulatory framework that will help the Saudis achieve their dreams.

The Film Commission is doing everything possible to help local talent develop their filmmaking skills and utilize the benefits of modern technology, Al-Asmari said. (Source: Arab News)

What Is Special About This?

Since Saudi Arabia began issuing tourist visas, it has been visited by a number of movie and television production companies investigating and scouting shooting locations in AlUla and elsewhere.

It offers a wide range of services to attract international filmmakers. This includes a team of AlUla filmmakers to facilitate the production of an appropriate film directing system.

On the practical side, it can handle film crew visas, secure ground and air transportation, facilitate the import and export of cameras and other production equipment, sort out accommodation in Riyadh and AlUla and grant permits. (Source: ArabNews)

Film AlUla also works to promote local film production, in partnership with other government agencies, in line with the Royal Commission’s efforts to promote national talent in the film industry.