Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Saudi Film Commission has announced that it has joined the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI), which groups more than 360 film commissions in 40 countries.

The move aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position in the global cinema sector and empower national production companies and local talents to exchange experiences and knowledge with their counterparts around the world.

The Film Commission’s membership in AFCI aims to develop the film industry in Saudi Arabia and consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for filmmaking, which contributes to strengthening the national economy and raising the level of Saudi cinema at local and global levels.

The AFCI works to support, empower and connect film boards around the world to develop the international film sector in a sustainable and integrated manner and provides a number of services, most notably, communication with film boards around the world, learning about best international practices, training and development, and learning about developments in the sector.

It is a global non-profit organization, founded in 1975, and it is the only global organization whose membership includes film bodies from various countries on 6 continents and focuses on everything that enables the bodies and stakeholders in the industry to enhance economic growth in the film production sector in general.

It also provides a network linking various resources, educational opportunities, and funding opportunities from various countries. For the benefit of film commissions and production companies, as well as film professionals to facilitate joint production between countries.

It is also working to expand its membership to include full representation of the production scene. This expansion will integrate studio partners, production enablers, backers, government offices and former film commissioners.

From drafting international reports to establishing global best practices, AFCI provides distinguished resources and opportunities to film commissions and industry professionals around the world. It also hosts world-class events that provide networking opportunities in major global film markets, while offering professional certification for film commissions globally.