Hani Al-Mulla at the Media Forum: Administrators are the backbone of Saudi cinema
Hani bin Ahmed Al-Mulla, Executive Director of the Saudi Cinema Association and the Saudi Film Festival, affirmed that the maturity of the film industry in Saudi Arabia hinges on the presence of professional administrative personnel whose importance is equal to that of creative artists. This statement was made during his active participation in the "Saudi Media Forum 2026," where he highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing the sector amidst the comprehensive cultural renaissance.
Administrators: The unsung heroes behind the screen
In his remarks, which resonated widely throughout the forum, Al-Mulla emphasized that "administrators are the true heroes," noting that the Kingdom has made significant strides in empowering actors, directors, and writers. However, he stressed that the most crucial element for ensuring the sustainability of this industry lies in cultural and artistic management. He explained, "We have empowerment programs for artists and creators, but administrators are the backbone of any sustainable film industry.".
Al-Mulla elaborated on the vital role played by executive producers and production managers, from transforming abstract creative visions into concrete action plans, to meticulously managing substantial budgets, and finally, handling complex logistics and obtaining necessary permits. He added that these professionals are the ones who ensure the delicate balance between high artistic quality and adherence to schedules and budgets, thus creating a professional work environment that attracts investment.
The context of cultural transformation and Vision 2030
Al-Mulla's remarks come at a time when the Saudi film industry is experiencing unprecedented leaps forward since the launch of Vision 2030, which restructured the cultural sector and recognized it as a key pillar of the national economy and quality of life. Cultural institutions, spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture and the Film Commission, are working to build a robust infrastructure that extends beyond cinemas to include production studios and training academies.
In this context, Al-Mulla pointed out that the presence of the Cinema Association in the Saudi Media Forum is an integral part of the ambitious artistic media scene, stressing that the cinematic and media wheels are moving in parallel to highlight the authentic Saudi story and convey it to the world.
Cinema Association: Documentation and Development
The Saudi Cinema Association, established in August 2021 as the first non-profit organization specializing in the sector and headquartered in Al-Khobar, showcased its most prominent projects during the forum. Foremost among these projects is the "Saudi Encyclopedia of Cinema," a massive cultural project aimed at documenting the history and knowledge of cinema from critical and artistic perspectives, serving as a resource for researchers and those interested in the field.
The association's main objective is to develop the film industry and empower filmmakers by providing a comprehensive training environment, including workshops, script development, and technical consultations, in addition to its role as a platform that brings together critics and those interested to exchange experiences.
Saudi Film Festival: 12th Edition
Speaking about the future, Al-Mulla revealed preparations for the 12th edition of the Saudi Film Festival, scheduled for 2026. The festival is held in strategic partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) and with the support of the Film Commission. It is considered the premier platform for establishing a Saudi cinematic identity and contributing to the creative economy.
It is worth noting that Hani Al-Mulla has extensive field experience, as he worked as an executive producer for the successful series "Khuyut Al-Ma’azib" and is the author of the novel "The Little Prisoner: A Saudi in Russian Prisons" published in 2020, which is currently being adapted into a film, reflecting the integration of his experience between management and creativity.
