GCA, IMAX partner on film production, opening new cinema halls

The General Culture Authority (GCA) and IMAX announced Saturday that they have reached an initial agreement for partnership and cooperation in the field of film production and development by IMAX at the local level, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The agreement is in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties that is legally nonbinding in its initial form. However, it is part of the strategic efforts being exerted by the GCA to develop the films sector in the Kingdom in a viable and sustainable fashion.

According to the MoU, GCA will work in cooperation with IMAX to discover and develop opportunities for supporting studios in the Kingdom and Saudi producers to make films with international content and standards such that this will enable the export of Saudi films to the non-Arab markets.

GCA CEO Eng. Ahmed Al-Mazyad said the role of the Authority is to safeguard, develop, enrich and promote the cultural sector in the Kingdom by developing local talents and capabilities, supporting cultural diversity and highlighting the Saudi identity through the arts.

The exploration of possible opportunities for cooperation and partnership with IMAX, which has started its presence in the Kingdom, aims to provide a platform to support talents and creativity in the Kingdom, shed light on them and open horizons for interaction. This will also enhance the opportunity for Saudi content that is rich in stories to participate within the Kingdom and abroad, with new forms and formulas.

He said the GCA, in its capacity as the authority for organizing, developing, financing and establishing the films sector in the Kingdom, is committed to building a sector with the highest standards. The GCA will contribute positively to the socio-economic development efforts in the Kingdom, develop creative content and talented people in the country such that it reflects on the quality of life in the Kingdom.

Meanwhile, the CEO of IMAX Richard Gelfond said: “We are looking forward to working with the General Culture Authority to support development of this sector in a speedy fashion in the Kingdom, with the broad objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”

He added: “IMAX will work according to this agreement in studying the possibility of establishing a laboratory for film technologies in the Kingdom to train Saudi film-makers and work with them in Arabic documentaries and recreational films, formulated by IMAX, so as to shed light on the various aspects of nature, geography, culture and heritage in the Kingdom.”

The GCA had announced here Friday the launch of a number of major programs to support Saudi filmmakers, film industry and film production in the Kingdom, as well as non-Saudi filmmakers who are looking forward to film in the Kingdom, as a new location for filming and production.

These initiatives are expected to have a positive impact on the local film industry and talent development, especially with the announcement of a grant program and international partnerships to develop skills and technical capabilities. These initiatives will also contribute to the growth of production in the local market.

Meanwhile, the CEO of the Saudi Films Council Faisal Baltuyoor said the Council would generally focus on “developing skills and technical capabilities”. It considers this aspect to be basic for building a sustainable sector.

In this connection, the Council has launched a national grants program and another for partnerships in developing the skills and technical capabilities of talented Saudis, as the first step for sustainable development based on specialist education and knowledge in order to develop the local economy. Empowerment of Saudi talents and abilities will contribute to shedding light on Saudi talents and capabilities in developing more local content, Baltuyoor said.

As to the international partnerships program for developing Saudi talents, it includes partnerships with the most prestigious film institutes worldwide, like the University of Southern California (USC), which is the best university teaching film-making in the world, Studio School, and Film Independent in the US.

The Council has also partnered with the French institutes of “La Femis” and “Les Gobelins”, which are deemed the best institutes in the world in teaching animation. The two French institutes will provide training to ambitious Saudi young men and women. There is also a special program for training trainers so as to develop local capabilities in a sustainable fashion.