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Bridging cultures: Korea and Saudi Arabia’s new film training initiative
A groundbreaking initiative in film education
In an unprecedented move, the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) and Saudi Arabia’s Neom production hub have teamed up to launch a new training initiative in December. This ambitious project, led by KOFIC’s Korean Academy of Film Arts, aims to bring seasoned Korean filmmakers together with emerging Saudi Arabian talent. This cross-cultural exchange promises to enrich both nations’ film industries, fostering a collaborative spirit and the sharing of innovative techniques.
Launching in December: The training program’s specifics
Starting in December, seasoned filmmakers from Korea will mentor a select group of Saudi filmmakers. The training will cover various aspects of filmmaking, from scriptwriting and directing to post-production and visual effects. By providing hands-on experience and professional guidance, the initiative aims to elevate Saudi Arabia’s cinematic output to new heights.
Insights from the Busan Asian Contents and Film Market
The details of this exciting initiative were discussed during the opening day of the Busan Asian Contents and Film Market. The panel discussion was a meeting of minds, featuring notable industry figures who shared their insights on the collaborative efforts between Korea and Saudi Arabia. The panel included:
- Ryan Ashore, Director of Red Sea Labs
- Rasha AlEmam, Producer and CEO of Yellow Camel Studios
- Emad Z. Eskander, Head of the Red Sea Fund
- Seo Woo-sik, Veteran Producer of films like “Mother” and “Okja”, and Head of Barunson C&C
Nurturing fertile ground for education and collaboration
Reflecting on a successful wardrobe workshop held earlier this year, AlEmam emphasized the readiness and enthusiasm of Saudi talent to learn and grow. He remarked, “The Saudis are ready to learn and very willing to learn. They want to start working on set right away. It’s a very fertile soil for education, training, and workshops.”
This sentiment sets the stage for the upcoming training program, which aims to capitalize on this eagerness by providing high-quality education from experienced professionals.
Finding common ground in co-productions
Discussing potential co-productions between Korea and Saudi Arabia, Seo Woo-sik highlighted the importance of finding themes that resonate with both cultures. He advised, “Projects need to find a common point that would appeal to both audiences. Take time to understand the culture and reality. Build trust. Take the time to understand each other.”
Seo’s insights point to a cautious yet optimistic approach for joint ventures. He noted that beginning with simpler projects, such as Saudi talent learning new technologies and graphic design in Korea, could lay a robust foundation for more complex collaborations in the future.
Opening doors to generous incentives and diverse locations
Eskander revealed that the Red Sea Fund, which previously focused on Arab and African film financing, is now open to all of Asia. He encouraged Korean filmmakers to take advantage of Saudi Arabia’s generous incentives. The diverse landscapes available for filming were also highlighted as a significant draw for international filmmakers.
Respecting cultural boundaries in creative content
When it comes to the creative content of films, Saudi Arabia maintains specific cultural limitations, particularly regarding nudity and sexual scenes. AlEmam clarified, “We do not interfere in the creative content of the film. The cultural limitations might be sexual. You cannot shoot sexual scenes in Saudi Arabia, but you can shoot action scenes, chase scenes, slaughter, violence. It doesn’t matter.”
This open-minded approach ensures that filmmakers can still pursue bold and dynamic storytelling, provided they respect local cultural norms.
A promising future for Korea-Saudi film collaborations
The collaboration between KOFIC and Neom heralds a new era of international cooperation in the film industry. As these two countries come together to share expertise and resources, the initiative is set to produce not only skilled filmmakers but also content that resonates on a global scale.
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