Cannes: The Saudi Cultural Development Fund (CDF) hosted a roundtable and networking lunch at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, bringing together industry leaders, studio executives, filmmakers, producers, and financiers to discuss tailored financing mechanisms that support sustainable growth and promote international collaboration, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming a global hub for creative filmmaking.

According to Saudi Press Agency, during the event titled ‘Collaborate and Invest: Shaping the Future of the Film Industry,’ the CDF unveiled a major expansion of its support for film projects by introducing a comprehensive financial excellence framework. Developed in close collaboration with partners across the Saudi film ecosystem, the new approach aims to streamline funding procedures, increase transparency, and broaden access for all stakeholders in the film value chain. The framework is designed to enhance funding process efficiency, targeting a reduction in application processing times by up to 60 percent. It features clear eligibility criteria, a well-defined and objective evaluation mechanism to guide funding decisions, and a digitally integrated system for submitting, tracking, and managing funding applications.

This strategic move underscores the CDF’s ongoing commitment to advancing the Saudi film industry and aligns with the broader objectives of Vision 2030 to drive economic diversification and empower cultural sectors. By enhancing the funding infrastructure and fostering a competitive, globally connected film environment, the CDF aims to firmly position Saudi Arabia as a premier destination for international film production.