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Saudi Arabia, South Korea Forge Stronger Ties Through Film Collaboration

Saudi Arabia’s NEOM production hub and the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) will soon unveil a new training initiative. Launching in December, the initiative will be led by KOFIC’s Korean Academy of Film Arts. Experienced Korean filmmakers will train emerging Saudi Arabian talent, with an official announcement expected soon.

Saudi-Korea Discussion at Busan ACFM

This partnership and other potential Saudi Arabia-Korea collaborations were discussed during a panel at the Busan Asian Contents and Film Market. The panel, moderated by Red Sea Film Festival programmer Kim Young-woo, featured key figures from both countries’ film industries. Participants included Ryan Ashore, director of Red Sea Labs, Rasha AlEmam, producer and CEO of Yellow Camel Studios, Emad Z. Eskander, head of the Red Sea Fund, and Seo Woo-sik, veteran producer of Bong Joon-ho’s Mother and Okja.

Saudi Arabia’s Eagerness to Learn

Rasha AlEmam highlighted Saudi Arabia’s enthusiasm for learning and growth in the film industry. Referring to a previous wardrobe workshop, she emphasized the country’s readiness to absorb new skills. “The Saudis are eager to learn, and they’re ready to dive into on-set work,” she said. She further noted Saudi Arabia’s fertile environment for training and education in the industry.

Challenges in Co-Productions

Discussing potential Korea-Saudi Arabia co-productions, Seo Woo-sik advised finding common ground that appeals to both audiences. He also stressed the importance of respecting cultural differences, warning against cultural taboos. “Building trust and understanding each other’s realities is key to successful collaborations,” he said. Seo recommended beginning with smaller projects, such as sending Saudi talent to Korea for technological training.

Opportunities for Korean Filmmakers

Emad Z. Eskander announced that the Red Sea Fund, traditionally focused on Arab and African films, is now open to all of Asia. He encouraged Korean filmmakers to explore Saudi Arabia’s generous incentives and highlighted the diverse filming locations available in the country. Both Eskander and AlEmam stressed that Saudi Arabia does not interfere creatively in film projects, except for restrictions on sexual content.

“We don’t interfere in the creative content of films,” AlEmam explained. “The only cultural limitation is on sexual content. While sexual scenes are prohibited, action, violence, and chase scenes are allowed.”

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