The Saudi box office, its global impact, and the reality of Egyptian cinema
The Saudi Arabian film industry has undergone radical and rapid transformations in recent years, transcending its status as a mere consumer market to become a significant and influential force in the global film industry. In an analytical reading of this growing landscape, film critic Wael Al-Otaibi affirmed that the Saudi box office has broken free from its geographical boundaries, establishing itself as a major player that even leading Hollywood and international production companies must take into account.
This remarkable rise is driven by the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which has revitalized the entertainment sector. High purchasing power and escalating revenue growth have attracted the attention of global distributors. Al-Otaibi explained that the significant cultural openness and diverse tastes of the Saudi audience have contributed to expanding the range of cinema options. These options are no longer limited to a single genre but now include major Hollywood productions, distinguished Asian works, and Arab productions, thus strengthening the Kingdom's position as a strategic film market in the Middle East.
Growth indicators and the rise of "Avatar"
The film critic cited strong indicators of market maturity, pointing to blockbuster hits like "Avatar: Fire and Ashes" topping the box office, reflecting the Saudi audience's passion for science fiction and big-budget productions. This public enthusiasm has created a healthy competitive environment, positively impacting the quality of the Saudi film industry, which is currently experiencing unprecedented growth, supported by massive investments in infrastructure, an increased number of screens, and support for young talent to produce sustainable cinema that reflects national identity.
The paradox of Egyptian cinema: quantity versus quality
In a related context, Al-Otaibi addressed the state of Egyptian cinema , describing it as experiencing a paradox. Commercially, Egyptian films continue to dominate the scene and reign supreme at the box office in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world, benefiting from a rich history spanning over a century and a significant place in the hearts of Arab viewers. However, this commercial success is countered by a noticeable artistic decline, evidenced by the recent absence of Egyptian films from the winners' podiums at major international film festivals. This suggests that producers are prioritizing guaranteed commercial gains over artistic merit.
Future challenges and changing public mood
Regarding regional competition, Al-Otaibi denied the existence of a real threat to the throne of Egyptian cinema from other Arab experiences such as Tunisia, Lebanon or Morocco, explaining that those countries lack an integrated film industry (Star System) and a production structure that matches the huge size of the industry in Egypt, nicknamed “Hollywood of the East”.
The critic concluded by pointing to the biggest challenge facing Arab content creators: the changing behavior of younger generations, who are increasingly drawn to American and Western films. This necessitates the development of Arab content to meet the aspirations of young people. He emphasized that the open market is large enough for everyone, and ultimately, only the best content, best able to resonate with the evolving interests of the audience, will survive.
