The initiative will gather and preserve films from a range of sources, including both private and public sector institutions, as well as individual filmmakers.
The Saudi Film Commission has introduced the ‘Film Deposit’ initiative through the National Film Archive, aiming to collect, archive and preserve Saudi films for future generations. This initiative is dedicated to safeguarding the country’s cinematic history, ensuring that it remains accessible and sustainable over time, according to the report by Saudi Press Agency.
The initiative focuses on gathering Saudi films from various sources, including production companies and filmmakers and securely storing them at a designated facility. The goal is to document the cinematic heritage of Saudi Arabia, capturing the cultural and artistic dimensions that define the nation’s film history.
The commission highlighted that the ‘Film Deposit’ initiative began with the creation of the Saudi Film Registry, which currently holds data on over 1,000 films, encompassing feature films, documentaries and shorts. The initiative has established rigorous standards and guidelines for film deposits, ensuring that intellectual and literary property rights are respected and maintained.
The preservation effort follows three main pathways: secure storage, research access for academic purposes and public availability for general viewing. These paths are designed to foster interest among researchers, cinema enthusiasts, and the broader public.
The launch of this initiative marks a significant step by the commission in enhancing access to films that are milestones in Saudi cinema. It also plays a vital role in expanding the appreciation of the Kingdom’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.
