Saudi Film Commission Joins Asian Film Commissions Network

Saudi Film Commission Joins Asian Film Commissions Network
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Saudi Film Commission Joins Asian Film Commissions Network

Saudi Film Commission Joins Asian Film Commissions Network

The Saudi Film Commission has joined the Asian Film Commissions Network (AFCNet), a non-profit organization established in 2004. The network represents over 50 members across 19 countries and regions in Asia, including film commissions, production offices, and other related organizations. This strategic move aims to foster collaboration with international partners and build partnerships that drive the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
The Saudi Film Commission’s membership in AFCNet is a key milestone in its mission to develop the film industry by supporting local and regional film projects and encouraging co-productions.
This step underscores the commission’s commitment to advancing the Kingdom’s film industry, fostering cultural exchange within the global cinematic community, and contributing to the overall growth of the region’s film industry, SPA reported.
The commission is committed to creating new opportunities for filmmakers and other creatives by providing innovative platforms to showcase their work, supporting distribution channels, promoting the Kingdom as a premier filming destination, and offering competitive incentive programs. These initiatives are designed to accelerate the production of high-quality cinematic content and position Saudi Arabia as a hub for creative excellence.
Joining AFCNet not only reinforces the commission's standing on the global cinematic map but also complements its recent membership of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI), announced in June 2024, aimed at enhancing Saudi Arabia’s presence in the global film industry and facilitating collaboration between national production companies, local talents, and international counterparts.



Heritage Commission Launches 2nd Phase of Red Sea Underwater Heritage Survey

 The second phase builds upon a series of national initiatives dedicated to preserving the Kingdom's diverse cultural heritage. Photo via SPA
The second phase builds upon a series of national initiatives dedicated to preserving the Kingdom's diverse cultural heritage. Photo via SPA
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Heritage Commission Launches 2nd Phase of Red Sea Underwater Heritage Survey

 The second phase builds upon a series of national initiatives dedicated to preserving the Kingdom's diverse cultural heritage. Photo via SPA
The second phase builds upon a series of national initiatives dedicated to preserving the Kingdom's diverse cultural heritage. Photo via SPA

The Heritage Commission has announced the launch of the project's second phase, which is focused on studying underwater cultural heritage sites along the Red Sea Coast. This project involves partnerships with King Abdulaziz University, the University of Naples L'Orientale in Italy, and international partners, including the Alexandria Center for Maritime Archaeology and Underwater Cultural Heritage, the National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage in South Korea, and the University of Cape Town in South Africa.
According to SPA, the second phase builds upon a series of national initiatives dedicated to preserving the Kingdom's diverse cultural heritage. This includes developing a sustainable approach to conserving underwater heritage, with a specific focus on sites spanning the governorates of Jeddah and Al-Qunfudhah. It seeks to provide accurate information for the management and protection of these sites and expand research and scientific studies related to them. The ultimate goal is to enhance knowledge and documentation of this cultural heritage.
Expected outcomes include comprehensive reports analyzing archaeological findings, a developed management plan, and detailed scientific documentation of submerged heritage elements. These will contribute to the national archaeological registry and enhance the national protection of underwater cultural heritage along the Red Sea Coast. This project will also highlight the historical and cultural connections between Saudi Arabia and various countries, as the Red Sea Coast is a major historical maritime route.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has made significant efforts in this field, which aligns with the UNESCO Underwater Cultural Heritage 2001 Convention. These include establishing a dedicated center for underwater cultural heritage, a key initiative within Vision 2030 aimed at achieving sustainable development in the field of national heritage.