Saudi Arabia is taking bold steps to revitalize its cinema sector by slashing licence fees and movie ticket costs. The move, orchestrated by the Film Commission, is part of a broader strategy to spark industry growth, enhance audience participation, and establish the Kingdom as a leading film industry hub in the region.
The reduction in fees and ticket prices was greenlit by the Film Commission’s Board of Directors, under the leadership of Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan. This initiative is expected to catalyze the sector’s expansion by making film viewing more affordable and encouraging greater engagement from the public.
Cinema in Saudi Arabia
Recent figures released by the General Authority for Media Regulation highlight the sale of over 61 million cinema tickets, generating revenues upwards of SR3.7 billion ($986 million) since April 2018. To further bolster the industry, the commission has simplified the licensing process and cut costs for a range of cinema-related activities, including services for permanent and temporary cinemas, as well as those catering to special needs audiences.
Prospective cinema operators can now seamlessly secure various licences, such as those for studio operations, production, distribution, and import of films, through the Cultural Licenses Platform (Abde’a). In addition, the commission is actively encouraging cinema owners to offer promotional discounts to draw larger crowds.
The expectation is that these measures will not only increase the number of cinema halls but also make Saudi films more accessible, thus promoting a vibrant cinema culture throughout the Kingdom. The strategic aim is to elevate the number of box offices and enhance the economic impact of companies within the industry. This initiative also supports cultural diversity, encourages competitive investment, and improves the overall cinema-going experience.
Abdullah Al-Qahtani, CEO of the Film Commission, stressed the importance of nurturing the film industry by motivating private sector cinema operators to provide discounts and promotions. He emphasized that this would enrich the film culture in the Kingdom and boost the visibility of Saudi films in cinemas nationwide.
Al-Qahtani also noted that aligning the costs of cinema licences and tickets with international averages is essential for supporting sector growth and sustainability. The Film Commission’s responsibilities encompass fostering the film sector’s development through infrastructure enhancement, regulatory framework advancement, and promotion of local talent and production, as well as attracting international filmmakers to the Kingdom.