Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Saudi Film Commission launched on Thursday the ‘Film Deposit’ initiative through the National Film Archive. The commission said in a press release that the initiative is dedicated to collecting and archiving Saudi films to preserve and ensure their sustainability for future generations. The objective is to gather Saudi films from various sources, such as companies and filmmakers, securely deposit and preserve them at a designated headquarters. It also aims to document Saudi Arabia’s cinematic history and capture its cultural and artistic dimensions.

According to the commission, the ‘Film Deposit’ initiative began with establishing the Saudi Film Registry, which contains data on over 1,000 films, including feature films and documentaries, both long and short, and has set the highest standards and guidelines for film deposits to maintain high standards, ensuring that intellectual and literary property rights align with the submitting entities.

The initiative ensures the preservation and representation of national cultural heritage through three paths: deposit for secure storage, deposit with research access for scholarly study, and deposit with public availability for general access. These accessibility paths are designed to encourage interest among researchers, cinema enthusiasts, and the general public.

The launch marks a significant step for the commission in enhancing access for those interested in films that constitute landmarks in local cinematic history. It also contributes to expanding the appreciation of the Kingdom’s vast artistic and cultural heritage.