
Saudi Arabia Launches Jax Film Studios in Riyadh
Spanning more than 7,000 sq. meters, the new complex features two soundstages of 1,500 sq. meters and a virtual production stage powered by Sony's latest screen technology.
Set to be completed later 2025, Jax Film Studios also boasts a private cinema, meeting rooms, production prep areas, dining spaces, along with a VIP lounge.
To provide seamless experiences, the newly established complex offers convenient access to hotels, the international airport, restaurants, and a growing network of creative and technical professionals.
In the light of this, Saudi Film Commission's CEO Abdullah Al-Qahtani noted that Jax Film Studios serves as a cornerstone of the commission's strategy to promote a world-class film infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
'As we become one of the region's premier production hubs, this facility is built to meet the highest international standards empowering local creatives while attracting global talent,' Al-Qahtani added.
Meanwhile, Abduljalil Alnasser, the commission's general manager of sector development and investment attraction, said: 'With Jax Film Studios we are introducing one of the world's most advanced and largest virtual production stages, powered by Sony's latest innovations, unlocking limitless creative possibilities.'
This announcement came during the commission's participation at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival, which played a pivotal role in boosting the Kingdom's position on the global film industry map.
Related Topics:
Saudi Film Commission to Participate in Berlin Film Festival
Visual Arts Authority Launches Open Studio Event
Saudi Commission Joins Asian Film Network AFCNet
Short link :
Post Views: 1
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi films earn SR100 million at box office in 2025
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi films have generated over SR100 million in box office revenue since the beginning of 2025, reflecting the rapid growth of the Kingdom's film industry and growing audience trust in local content. According to the Saudi Film Commission, eight local productions captured 19% of total box office share this year. These included Shabab Al-Bomb 2, Hobal, Al-Zarfa, Is'af, Fakhr Al-Suwaidi, Leil Nahar, Saifi, and Tashwish. During the week of July 13–19, Saudi cinemas recorded SR26 million in total ticket sales. Leading the charts was the American film F1 The Movie with SR26.3 million, followed by the Saudi film Al-Zarfa with SR22.6 million. Superman ranked third with SR7.7 million, while the Egyptian film Ahmed and Ahmed came in fourth with SR3.5 million.


Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Saudi Gazette
Shahad Ameen's Hijra selected for 82nd Venice Film Festival spotlight
RIYADH — Saudi filmmaker Shahad Ameen's highly anticipated second feature Hijra has been officially selected to screen in the Spotlight Competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, taking place from August 27 to September 6, 2025. The selection marks a major milestone for Ameen, whose debut film Scales also premiered at Venice, represented Saudi Arabia in the Oscars, and went on to win over 15 international awards. With Hijra, Ameen returns to Venice as both writer and director, teaming up with renowned Iraqi filmmaker Mohamed Al-Daradji as lead producer. Described as a poetic road movie set in 2001, Hijra follows a grandmother traveling from the south of Saudi Arabia to Mecca with her two granddaughters. When one of them disappears, the journey shifts northward in search of her, revealing the emotional and physical landscapes of Saudi Arabia. Filmed in nine diverse locations — from AlUla and Tabuk to NEOM and Jeddah — the film is a cinematic exploration of intergenerational womanhood, identity, and belonging. 'Hijra is one of the most challenging films I've ever worked on,' Ameen said. 'We believed deeply in telling this story about Saudi women through a rich human and historical context.' The film features Khairia Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhafiri, and newcomer Lamar Fadan in the lead role of Janna, with a special appearance by Baraa Alem. It is a co-production between Beit Ameen for Production, the Iraqi Independent Film Center, and Ideation Studios, with support from Film AlUla, NEOM, Ithra, and the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation. International distribution is handled by CAA, with CineWaves distributing in Saudi Arabia and Film Clinic Indie Distribution managing regional rights across the Arab the scenes, Hijra boasts a high-caliber international crew, including editor Hervé de Luze (The Pianist), cinematographer Miguel Littin Menz (The Vast of Night), and composer Armand Amar (Bab'Aziz), alongside Saudi talents Meznah Alharbi and Toufic in Saudi Arabia's landscapes and soul, Hijra reaffirms the Kingdom's cinematic rise — blending global storytelling with a deeply local voice. — SG


Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Pavilion draws 64,000 visitors to ‘Wonders of Arabia' showcase at Expo 2025 Osaka
Saudi Gazette report OSAKA — The Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, in collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority, hosted the Wonders of Arabia Exhibition, welcoming more than 64,500 visitors during the seven-day event. Curated by the Saudi Tourism Authority, the exhibition offered a vibrant snapshot of the Kingdom's tourism experiences, aimed at Japanese and global travelers. Held at the Expo Exhibition Center, the Welcome Zone greeted guests with authentic Saudi hospitality, including 70,735 cups of Taif Rose Lemonade—crafted from 800 kilograms of fresh lemons—served to visitors. The event also featured live performances by Saudi artists and musicians from the Heritage and Music Commissions, along with a fashion showcase highlighting 10 prominent Saudi designers in partnership with the Fashion Commission. In the Main Exhibition area, guests enjoyed 29 cultural dance shows, 21 artisan sets, and 44 live oud performances, alongside highlights of Saudi Arabia's key tourism destinations such as Diriyah, Jeddah, the Red Sea, Aseer, and AlUla. Additional attractions included a cultural photobooth, giveaways, and the Arts of Arabia experience. The Sports Hub Zone spotlighted Saudi Arabia's growing sports tourism offerings, including the Esports World Cup, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2034. A fan-favorite was a simulated photo opportunity in Cristiano Ronaldo's changing room. 'We are honoured to offer Japanese visitors at Expo 2025 a glimpse into the Wonders of Saudi Arabia's tourism,' said Dr. Ghazi bin Faisal Binzagr, Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the Saudi Pavilion. 'Through this initiative, we hope to inspire more Japanese travelers to explore the Kingdom's rich heritage, natural beauty, and world-renowned hospitality.' The initiative coincides with the 70th anniversary of Saudi-Japan diplomatic ties in 2025. Saudi Arabia recorded a 7% increase in Japanese visitors in 2024 and operates a dedicated tourism office in Japan. Japanese citizens are eligible for the Kingdom's eVisa program, which offers one-year multiple-entry access for stays up to 90 days. Wonders of Arabia is one of 700 events featured at the Saudi Pavilion, which has welcomed over 1 million visitors since the Expo's opening in April. The pavilion will continue to host live cultural performances and exhibitions until the Expo concludes on October 13.