Recognizing the importance of supporting and developing the film and visual arts sector, the Film Association has launched its journey as part of the Ministry of Culture's initiative to establish key professional associations. This initiative is led by His Highness Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud and was announced at the press conference hall of the Red Sea International Film Festival 2023, held
at the Ritz Carlton hotel in Jeddah from November 30 to December 9, 2023. Attended by a number of filmmakers and journalists, the artist, director, and writer Baraa Alam engaged in dialogue with members of the Film Association about their objectives and their active role in the sector.
The discussion began with Hanaa Al Omair, a board member of the Film Association and a director and writer, who believes that “having a professional association is fundamental for the development of the sector.” This is achieved through working on legislation and rights, which are crucial for the growth and evolution of those working in the sector. Hence, the importance of establishing unions or associations that focus on the rights of these workers. She pointed out that the name of the association is based on the idea that each body within the Ministry of Culture corresponds to professional associations; therefore, the existence of a Film Authority necessitates a Film Association. Abdulmohsen Al Nimr, another board member, emphasized the need for such unions to focus on “the rights of the artist and providing guarantees for their training and care in times of need.”
Mishal Al Mutairi, the president of the Film Association and an artist and producer, shared that the association aims particularly “to achieve its goals through its members.” It was established as an initiative of the Ministry of Culture, and members were selected for a fundamental role in founding the association, followed by the next step of enrolling members and creators to voice their opinions. “His Highness, the Minister of Culture, is very keen to hear the challenges, as they are the voice of the sect or.” He then discussed the key strategies, including “influencing policies” to positively accompany the renaissance of the film industry, representing the sector, and “raising awareness in responsible bodies to hear from the workers.” This involves overcoming obstacles and hosting and visiting prominent global unions to study the best practices and applications in the industry. The focus is also on the legal aspect, developing legal awareness in the sector to achieve “a clear image and a heard voice.”
Tawfiq Al Zaidi, a founding member of the association, a writer and director, mentioned that his main interest is “talent,” highlighting the need for a representative umbrella that offers substantial support to them. For a sustainable project, the association works on connecting creators with talent, as “the sector is built on money and talent.”
Alaa Faden, another founding member, and the CEO of Telfaz 11, sees the importance of facilitating the sector for creators in terms of “unifying contracts and rights,” emphasizing the need for “an association with global standards that represents the workers and seeks their rights” to bridge the local industry and global unions.
Abdulaziz Al Muzaini, a board member and founding partner of Myrkott and Sirb production, believes that the local industry still lacks some fundamentals. Therefore, one of the association's most important roles is “to establish laws and legislation to protect all parties and platforms,” considering that the local market is still emerging.
The discussion concluded with the importance of working on legal rights and unified contracts as a first step for the Film Association, which encompasses everything related to the dramatic work of cinema and television “due to the continuous overlap between cinema and television,” as seen by Hanaa Al Omair, a board member. Mishal Al Mutairi, the president of the Film Association, concluded the dialogue by saying:
“We establish and create, and the next step is yours.”
