Alula: Film AlUla, the film agency of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sherborne Media to expand financing solutions available to filmmakers in Saudi Arabia, the region, and the world.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the MoU was signed between Film AlUla and Sherborne Media, an international film production financing company, on the sidelines of the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival. The agreement establishes an integrated financing framework that allows eligible productions filmed in AlUla to access debt financing solutions at competitive rates. This financing will be secured against available cash rebates, grants, incentives, and other non-repayable funding sources, potentially covering up to 50% of eligible production expenses in AlUla.

The partnership addresses a major challenge in film production: providing producers with upfront liquidity against their contractual entitlements to rebates and financial incentives. This initiative aims to supply the necessary cash flow throughout the production process.

By implementing a unified mechanism and clear financial due diligence procedures, the initiative enables filmmakers from Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa, and globally to benefit from AlUla's production ecosystem. This includes modern facilities, purpose-built soundstages, and diverse natural and historic locations.

The partnership also emphasizes local talent development. Film AlUla and Sherborne Media plan to design structured training programs and initiatives to enhance the skills of production crews and support local employment opportunities. These efforts aim to build sustainable production capabilities and increase the participation of Saudi talent in the film industry.