Sponsorships and Their Role in Strengthening the Saudi Film Industry

Sponsorships and Their Role in Strengthening the Saudi Film Industry

The film industry in Saudi Arabia has seen remarkable growth in recent years, generating revenues of nearly one billion SAR in 2023 and selling over 17 million tickets during the same year.

Among the standout productions contributing to this success is the film "El Señor" by Saudi director Ayman Khoja. The film quickly became one of the most-watched movies on Netflix across the Middle East and North Africa. This exciting comedy follows Salem, a Saudi engineer who impersonates an Italian expert to secure a job at a major company, humorously addressing themes of identity and deception.

Attracting and securing sponsorships for Saudi cinema is a key factor in supporting and strengthening this emerging industry. Sponsorships provide essential funding for production and marketing, enabling films to reach a wider audience and achieve greater commercial success. For example, Saudi cinema generated revenues exceeding 421.8 million SAR (~$112.5 million) in the first half of 2024, with 8.5 million tickets sold, reflecting the significant impact of sponsorships and financial backing on this sector.

FAZ Sponsorships plays a pivotal role in this landscape by offering sponsorship management and partnership services for local film productions. The company is dedicated to empowering Saudi talent and providing the necessary resources to produce high-quality films, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s presence in the global film industry.

FAZ has recently signed a framework agreement with AK Pictures to manage and sell sponsorships for their upcoming projects, further enhancing investment opportunities in Saudi cinema and opening new doors for growth and strategic partnerships.