Saudi Film Program Trains Aspiring Filmmakers

Young Saudis with a passion for cinema now have a structured path into the film industry through the Filmmakers Program (برنامج صُنّاع الأفلام), run by the Saudi Film Commission under the Ministry of Culture. The program is designed as a complete training track covering every stage of filmmaking, from the first idea to marketing and distribution.

Aimed at both beginners and professionals, the initiative targets Saudi youth and adults who want to build careers in film. In its recent iterations, it aims to train around 4,000 participants across about 20 specialties through roughly 150 workshops and 10 masterclasses spread across 13 regions of the Kingdom, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, the Eastern Province, Asir, Najran, Tabuk and Qassim.

The program is built around three levels tailored to different skill sets, combining online and in-person workshops, masterclasses and artistic residencies. Training covers scriptwriting, production, business aspects, editing and audio, along with general courses in acting, directing and documentary filmmaking. A new Art Residency component gives filmmakers space to develop projects, including adapting Saudi novels and books into scripts and managing production.

A professional track: Kader

Alongside the Filmmakers Program, the Kader Program offers intensive professional field training for about 50 Saudi filmmakers, with three- to four-week placements on international productions and 21 days of hands-on training in multiple cinematic specializations. Eligibility requires at least two years of experience in the field; after online registration, applicants are categorized by skills and specializations and then nominated to partner productions for below-the-line roles in production and post-production.

For the community, these programs represent a practical gateway for local talent to gain real-world experience and connect with global production houses, opening new horizons toward a promising cinematic future both locally and internationally.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving