Saudi Arabia chooses South Korea to develop its cinema
The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) and the Saudi Film Commission (SFC) are set to work together to develop cooperation in the film industry. The two sides inked an agreement, based on a 2019 memorandum of understanding, to encourage cultural exchange, film co-production and technological innovation, with training and networking initiatives between industry professionals.
Seoul (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) and the Saudi Film Commission (SFC) have launched a collaboration programme to develop the film sector and foster cultural exchange between South Korea and Saudi Arabia.
The initiative, announced today, builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in 2019 and aims to intensify cooperation in several key areas of film production.
The agreement provides for knowledge sharing, production cooperation, talent development and technological innovation in the sector.
Key initiatives include training programmes, workshops and masterclasses, as well as mentorship opportunities led by industry experts.
These activities will allow filmmakers from South Korea and Saudi Arabia to hone their skills in production, screenwriting, animation and directing.
Another key aspect of the partnership is the increase in collaboration in film production.
The two organisations will promote co-productions and joint projects, facilitating networking between industry professionals through events at major festivals such as the Busan International Film Festival and the Red Sea International Film Festival, launched in Saudi Arabia in 2019.
The deal also seeks to expand the distribution and promotion of South Korean and Saudi films. Screenings and cultural exchange programmes will be supported.
The collaboration extends to the sharing of expertise on film policies and regulations, with a particular focus on technological advances in the sector, such as the use of artificial intelligence and new digital production techniques.
KOFIC chairman Han Sang-jun stressed the importance of this partnership.
“We have had many collaborations, including a boot camp with MBC Academy in Saudi Arabia last November,” he said. “We hope the cooperation program signed today will give this exchange greater momentum,” he added.
“This partnership with the Korean Film Council is a milestone in our ongoing efforts to elevate Saudi Arabia's film industry and strengthen its connections with global markets,” explained Abdullah Al Qahtani, CEO of the Saudi Film Commission.
“South Korea,” he added, “has a dynamic and influential film sector, and by working together, we can create more opportunities for our filmmakers, foster creative exchange and drive the growth of high-quality film productions in both countries.”
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