“Kandahar”: International Hollywood Film Boosts Saudi Film Industry and Economy

Riyadh: the country

The international Hollywood movie “Kandahar”, directed by Rick Roman Waugh, was launched in Saudi and international cinemas, with the participation of Saudi stars.

The film comes with the support of the Film Authority through the Financial Recovery Incentives Program and the Quality of Life Program – one of the Saudi Vision 2030 realization programs – and in cooperation with the Al-Ula Film Administration.

A distinguished group of Saudi competencies and talents participated in the production of this work, which was filmed in the governorates of Al-Ula and Jeddah, in various departments, such as directing and production teams, visual effects, camera, lighting and sound, crowd management, equipment, transportation services, freight, catering, first aid, private security guards, and others.

According to preliminary estimates, the film “Kandahar” achieved direct economic returns, as the percentage of workers among the Saudi crew amounted to more than 10% of the total film crew consisting of 29 nationalities from different countries of the world, and more than 15 Saudi companies and institutions benefited from the work. Directly in the film, including commercial and private air transport companies, hotels and housing, customs clearance, equipment and tools, private health services, catering and nutrition, and others. These companies worked throughout the implementation of the project, which extended for months in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al-Ula during the years 2021 and 2022 AD.

On a larger scale, a number of international commercial films filmed in the Kingdom have achieved a great economic impact, as they were filmed starring international stars and with the participation of approximately 1,500 people in the production crew. The production projects of these films created about 600 seasonal acting opportunities for Saudi men and women, and more than 90 companies benefited from them. The staff and actors occupied more than 13 hotels and commercial residential units in Jeddah, Riyadh, Tabuk, Al-Ula, and others. These companies also booked about 80,000 nights, and resided in those cities for periods ranging from six to ten continuous months, which contributed to the growth of demand for Catering and aviation services, renting cars and heavy transport trucks, and various services. More than 24 filming locations from those areas appeared in these films.

It is noteworthy that “Light” to support films was launched in 2019, with a total support of 40 million riyals; to support Saudi professional, amateur and student filmmakers; This is to provide innovative Saudi cinematic content through local and international platforms, and then the Film Authority announced the Saudi and international financial recovery incentive program in 2021 AD as one of the Authority’s strategic initiatives, which aims to make the Kingdom a global destination for film production by providing a cash refund of up to 40% on expenses. Eligible for incentives within the Kingdom for commercial entities and individuals, in order to motivate local and international film institutions and companies to film their work inside the Kingdom in a way that guarantees the growth of the film industry locally, increasing its competitiveness globally, and developing the creative economy in the Kingdom to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 in the culture and arts sector.