The Saudi Film Commission has assumed oversight responsibilities for the cinema sector, marking a departure from the purview of the General Authority of Media Regulation. According to industry reports, the transition has taken place following the completion of requisite regulations in an order from the Council of Ministers.
The initial phase entails the regulation of licensing for permanent, temporary, and special cinemas, alongside the oversight of movie, video, and television program production, distribution, and importation.
Abdullah Al-Qahtani, CEO of the Saudi Film Commission, said he has outlined a customer-centric vision for the cinematic sector.
He said, “The Saudi Film Commission is committed to a comprehensive review of all processes, with a strong emphasis on development and enhancement. Our primary goal is to enrich the customer experience by optimizing and streamlining processes across all cinematic sector activities. This includes a reevaluation of film sector licensing requirements and the simplification of licensing procedures and application processes for related services.”
The Saudi Film Commission posted on X: “The film and cinema sector jurisdiction has been transferred from the General Authority for Media Regulation to the Film Commission. This move, facilitated by continuous cooperation and support between the two bodies, underscores the commission’s ongoing commitment to developing and improving the sector.”
Moreover, the commission’s board has approved significant financial relief for cinema operators. They have endorsed a reduction in cinema license fees and a waiver of operational license fees for a three-year period until 2027, covering all types of cinema venues.
This move is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the industry. Applications for licenses can now be submitted via the unified electronic platform Abde’a.