As a seasoned film critic with over three decades of experience under my belt, I have witnessed the cinematic landscape shift like the sands of a desert windstorm. The Middle East, a region once overlooked by Hollywood’s golden eyes, is now a bustling hotspot for film productions. From the sprawling dunes of “Dune: Part Two” to the coming-of-age tale “Hajjan,” the geographical diversity and financial incentives are drawing in big-budget films like moths to a flame.
The Middle East is bustling with activity for movie productions, thanks to expanding teams of skilled professionals, generous tax incentives, and breathtaking locations. Major films like “Dune: Part Two,” directed by Denis Villeneuve, and local masterpieces such as “Hajjan” are taking advantage of the region’s rich geographical variety. Film commissions and studios in this competitive area are offering a range of enticing benefits to attract more film shoots, making the Middle East a vibrant hub for cinematic production.
The head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, Sameer Al Jaberi, mentioned that for the first “Dune” film, the team was only on location for a short time. However, they stayed for almost a month for the sequel. Robbie McAree, founder of Epic Films and a local producer for Villeneuve’s recent project in Abu Dhabi, explained that these big films have an enduring impact, giving practical experience to local staff who then utilize this knowledge in future projects. This cycle helps strengthen the industry and encourages more large-budget films to consider filming here.
In recent years, countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan have traditionally been the popular destinations in the region. However, over the past decade, there has been remarkable growth in other nations, particularly the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is now home to two rapidly expanding media hubs, Film AlUla and Neom, with Neom having recently hosted Abu Bakr Shawky’s coming-of-age film “Hajjan,” which was filmed along Saudi’s Red Sea coast in Tabuk.
At this time, Saudi Arabia is drawing a lot of attention due to their efforts to establish a thriving film industry and become a significant international filming location within the region. Based on my personal experience shooting in Tabuk and other locations throughout the kingdom, I firmly believe that the country is well-prepared to handle major film productions,” Mohamed Hefzy, a prominent producer in the Arab world and founder of Egypt’s Film Clinic, expresses.
In a nutshell, it was seamless. The talent in this region is simply extraordinary and I struggle to find the right words to convey just how impressive it is. While there’s still room for growth in the Saudi market, you can always discover exceptional talent in countries like Lebanon, UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Kuwait… There’s no shortage of talent,” former line producer with Neom Mann Ghanem shares about his experience with “Hajjan.
In our projects at Neom, it was mandatory to have at least 6 young Saudi interns. It’s amazing to see that some of these interns have since created their own films and are working on various film sets, which is truly inspiring,” Ghanem notes.
By joining the skills of seasoned industries from various nations, particularly those in the Arab region, with the financial resources and eagerness for swift expansion exhibited by emerging countries, a successful strategy has been demonstrated for Arab producers. As Alaa Karkouti, CEO and co-founder of MAD Solutions, states, “Jordan boasts exceptional location managers and producers, and Saudi Arabia is effectively leveraging Jordanian talents.
One such producer is veteran Rula Nasser of The Imaginarium Films, who reiterates how vital it is for Arab productions to be shot in the Arab world and by professionals who understand regional differences. “It’s not only the locations, there are so many elements. You can’t have an extra who’s an Arab and get someone who is European or has issues with the accent.”
Filmmakers in the region strive to accurately depict their countries within movies. As Mohannad Al-Bakri, director of the Jordanian Royal Film Commission, explains, “If films portray Jordan as part of their story, there’s an extra incentive offered.” However, it’s not just about financial benefits; it’s heartening to see Jordan depicted as a fictional land on the big screen, such as Arrakis. Al-Bakri adds, “In the credits of [‘Dune: Part Two’], you’ll find a Jordanian film crew and the people of Jordan who contributed to the production. We are incredibly proud of this association.
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2024-11-16 21:16