Royal Commission Inaugurates Film AlUla to Support Film Industry

Film AlUla was established in early 2020 by the Royal Commission for AlUla with a mandate to promote filming in the AlUla region. (Film AlUla)
Film AlUla was established in early 2020 by the Royal Commission for AlUla with a mandate to promote filming in the AlUla region. (Film AlUla)
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Royal Commission Inaugurates Film AlUla to Support Film Industry

Film AlUla was established in early 2020 by the Royal Commission for AlUla with a mandate to promote filming in the AlUla region. (Film AlUla)
Film AlUla was established in early 2020 by the Royal Commission for AlUla with a mandate to promote filming in the AlUla region. (Film AlUla)

The Royal Commission for AlUla has inaugurated the Film AlUla to support and facilitate filming in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla region.

The Film AlUla commission offers the opportunity to discover picturesque filming locations amid the breathtaking landscape of the region.

The new office will focus on supporting and encouraging local productions by working with several government agencies in the film industry.

It is part of the royal commission's efforts to realize the Kingdom's Vision 2030 by supporting national talents in the industry.

Several international producers have already expressed their interest in exploring AlUla as a location for their movies and a Hollywood-produced film will be announced soon.

Two Saudi movies will also be filmed soon in AlUla, "Bayn Al-Rimal" and "Noura", which are directed and produced by Saudis.

Film AlUla was established in early 2020 by the Royal Commission for AlUla with a mandate to promote filming in the AlUla region and develop a film-friendly ecosystem to support productions.

Film AlUla is a member of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) and follows best practices as laid out by the AFCI as well the Royal Commission for AlUla’s charter for best works practices.



Village People, Carrie Underwood to Perform at Trump Inauguration

Carrie Underwood performs at Times Square on New Year's Eve in New York City, US, December 31, 2024. (Reuters)
Carrie Underwood performs at Times Square on New Year's Eve in New York City, US, December 31, 2024. (Reuters)
TT

Village People, Carrie Underwood to Perform at Trump Inauguration

Carrie Underwood performs at Times Square on New Year's Eve in New York City, US, December 31, 2024. (Reuters)
Carrie Underwood performs at Times Square on New Year's Eve in New York City, US, December 31, 2024. (Reuters)

The Village People -- the group behind "Y.M.C.A," a staple of Donald Trump's rallies -- said Monday they have accepted an invitation from the president-elect to perform at events connected to next week's inauguration.

Singer Victor Willis said in a statement on Facebook the Village People would "participate in inaugural activities, including at least one event with President Elect Trump."

"We know this won't make some of you happy to hear, however, we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics," Willis continued.

"Our song Y.M.C.A. is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost.

"Therefore, we believe it's now time to bring the country together with music which is why VILLAGE PEOPLE will be performing at various events as part of the 2025 Inauguration of Donald J. Trump."

Trump's campaigns have frequently played the 1970s-era hit at rallies during his multiple bids for office, with the Republican often dancing onstage to it.

Also on Monday, famed country singer Carrie Underwood said she had accepted an invitation to perform during the inauguration slated for January 20.

"I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event," Underwood said in a statement.

"I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future."

The 41-year-old is scheduled to sing "America the Beautiful," according to a schedule released by the Trump team.

Historically the president-elect has had a rocky relationship with most figures in the entertainment world, many of whom have admonished him for playing their music at his rallies -- including, at times, the Village People.

During his first term several artists threatened to boycott their own induction ceremonies into the prestigious Kennedy Center pantheon if Trump attended those gala -- which he ultimately never did.