In its initial phase, the oversight will focus on regulating the licensing for permanent, temporary, and special cinemas.
Saudi Film Commission has announced its assumption of oversight responsibilities for the cinema sector, marking a departure from the purview of the General Authority of Media Regulation. Following an order from the Council of Ministers, the transition has now been effectuated following the completion of requisite regulations, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.
The initial phase entails the regulation of licensing for permanent, temporary, and special cinemas, alongside the oversight of movie, video, and television programme production, distribution, and importation.
Abdullah Al-Qahtani, CEO of Saudi Film Commission, said: “The Saudi Film Commission will embark on a comprehensive review of all processes pertaining to the cinematic sector, with a focus on development and enhancement. Primary enhancements will revolve around enriching the customer experience through the optimisation and streamlining of processes across all cinematic sector activities. This encompasses a reassessment of film sector licensing requirements and the simplification of licensing procedures and application processes for related services.”
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.”
Furthermore, the commission’s board has endorsed a reduction in cinema license fees and waived operational license fees for a three-year period until 2027, encompassing permanent, temporary, and special cinema venues. Applications for licenses can now be submitted via the unified electronic platform Abde’a.
