Social, economic and cultural benefit of reopening cinemas in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

The film industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has undergone major transformations since the 1960s. After the Arabian American Oil Company introduced films into Saudi Arabia for educational purposes, film exhibition grew and expanded during the 1960s and 1970s and Al- Ahwash Cinema (or courtyard cinema) proliferated. In the early 1980s, the country experienced a significant ultraconservative Islamic religious movement called Sahwa (the Awakening), which resulted in a ban on cinemas, leading to a cessation in scholarly research on the history of the Saudi film industry. In 2018, the industry experienced a new opening-up that was marked by several significant milestones: (1) the lifting of a 35-year ban on cinema attendance and production; (2) the initiation of governmental initiatives aimed at supporting Saudi filmmakers and fostering the growth of the industry within the country; (3) the establishment of three tertiary film schools, including the first of its kind in the KSA, Cinematic Art School at Effat University; and (4) the launching of international film festivals (i.e. the Red Sea Film Festival and the Saudi Film Festival). Understanding the impact of these activities on the country’s cinema industry is crucial to interpret the development, challenges and opportunities that have shaped the trajectory of the industry. Further, gaining insights into these activities helps to anticipate the industry’s future direction. This study traces the history of Saudi filmmaking from the 1960s into the present and engages with recent arts policy in the country to identify positive developments and challenges faced by filmmakers now. It compares the ‘Revival’ of the country’s film industry with those of Australia and China. The thesis investigates the current status of the Saudi film industry, focusing on aspects of education, production, exhibition and distribution. It explores a major industrial change, which is the emergence of new platforms, networks, and collaborations that support creative expression and foster economic growth. It does this through creating a 22-minute documentary, which documents the experiences of seven Saudi female filmmakers in distinct industry roles. The filmmakers include two producers, two directors, two screenwriters, one animation director, one recent film school graduate and two current film students. The inclusion of individuals in diverse positions and at different career levels elucidates the variations in the women’s educational backgrounds, challenges faced and levels of community acceptance. The documentary is a reflective lens on the broader obstacles encountered by individuals in the emerging industry and provides unique perspectives on the current state of filmmaking in the country. By scrutinising the multifaceted aspects of Saudi Arabia’s cinematic resurgence, this study offers a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, from Saudi female filmmakers’ perspectives and amplifies these previously unheard voices. The thesis aims to contribute to the broader discourse on Saudi cinema’s evolving landscape.