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Cinema Of Saudi Arabia

Cinema Of Saudi Arabia has experienced significant growth and transformation over the years. Initially restricted due to conservative cultural norms, the industry has seen a resurgence since the late 2010s, marked by the lifting of the 35-year ban on cinemas. This revival has led to the establishment of numerous cinemas, film festivals, and production companies, positioning Saudi Arabia as an emerging player in the global film industry.

Creation Time:2024-07-14 15 key nodes English

The Timeline

1965 — 2024

  1. 1965

    First Saudi Film: "The Ambitious"

    "The Ambitious" was the first Saudi film, directed by Saudi filmmaker Abdullah Al-Mohaisen, marking the nascent stages of Cinema Of Saudi Arabia.
  2. 1975

    The Opening of the First Cinema in Jeddah

    The first cinema in Jeddah opened, providing a public space for film screenings in the Kingdom.
  3. 1983

    Ban on Cinemas

    Cinemas were banned in Saudi Arabia due to conservative cultural norms, leading to a 35-year hiatus in public film screenings.
  4. 2006

    First Saudi Feature Film: "Keif al-Hal?"

    "Keif al-Hal?" became the first Saudi feature film, produced by Rotana Studios, showcasing the potential of Saudi filmmakers despite the cinema ban.
  5. 2017

    Lifting of the Cinema Ban

    The Saudi government announced the lifting of the 35-year ban on cinemas as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reforms.
  6. 2018

    First Public Cinema Screening

    The first public cinema screening in 35 years took place in Riyadh, featuring the Hollywood blockbuster "Black Panther."
  7. 2018

    Opening of AMC Cinemas in Riyadh

    AMC Cinemas opened the first commercial cinema in Riyadh, marking a new era for Cinema Of Saudi Arabia.
  8. 2019

    Launch of the Red Sea International Film Festival

    The Red Sea International Film Festival was launched in Jeddah, aiming to promote Saudi and international films.
  9. 2020

    Saudi Film Commission Established

    The Saudi Film Commission was established to support and regulate the burgeoning film industry in Saudi Arabia.
  10. 2020

    First Saudi Film to Enter Oscars: "The Perfect Candidate"

    "The Perfect Candidate," directed by Haifaa Al-Mansour, became the first Saudi film to be submitted for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars.
  11. 2021

    Saudi Arabia's First Digital Cinema Platform: "Muvi Cinemas"

    Muvi Cinemas launched the first Saudi digital cinema platform, expanding access to films across the Kingdom.
  12. 2022

    Opening of VOX Cinemas in Jeddah

    VOX Cinemas opened in Jeddah, further expanding the cinematic infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
  13. 2023

    Saudi Film "Rupture" Wins International Acclaim

    The Saudi film "Rupture," directed by Hamzah Jamjoom, received international acclaim, highlighting the growing talent in Cinema Of Saudi Arabia.
  14. 2024

    Expansion of Film Production Facilities

    Saudi Arabia announced the expansion of film production facilities, aiming to attract international filmmakers and boost local productions.
  15. 2024

    Inauguration of the Riyadh Film City

    The Riyadh Film City was inaugurated, providing state-of-the-art facilities for film production and fostering the growth of Cinema Of Saudi Arabia.

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