The agreement also emphasises investing in human capital through development, training and knowledge exchange in the field of archiving.
Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA) and Saudi Film Commission have signed a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at unifying efforts in the development of the Saudi film industry and enhancing the nation’s cultural presence through cinema. The agreement was formalised during the launch of the Cinemaa initiative, part of the National Film Archive programme overseen by the Film Commission.
Representing the SBA, CEO Mohammed Al-Harthi signed the memorandum of understanding alongside Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Qahtani, CEO of Saudi Film Commission. The collaboration reflects a shared vision to bolster Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity and media landscape by fostering stronger ties between national institutions actively contributing to the Kingdom’s cinematic narrative.
A key element of the agreement is a joint effort with the SBA’s Digital Archive Centre to document and preserve the nation’s cinematic legacy. This includes restoring and digitising rare film materials using cutting-edge technologies, conducting research and analytical studies on the Saudi film archive, and curating comprehensive records of Saudi film heritage.
Beyond preservation, the agreement also paves the way for enhanced cultural engagement through collaborative art exhibitions and public events, showcasing the richness of Saudi cinema to both local and global audiences. It also places strong emphasis on investing in human capital by supporting training, professional development and knowledge exchange in the field of audiovisual archiving.
This partnership represents a major step toward creating a cohesive and sustainable infrastructure for Saudi film preservation, ensuring that future generations can access and appreciate the Kingdom’s cinematic history while supporting the continued growth of the national film industry.