AlUla, SAUDI ARABIA – Film AlUla on Thursday announced the launch of AlUla Creates, a platform designed to nurture creativity and empower future generations in film, the arts and fashion.
The launch is part of a year-round program that will allow women filmmakers to collaborate with leading industry professionals and access development funds to create and share their stories set against the landscapes of AlUla.
The first phase partners with The British Fashion Council (BFC), acclaimed Saudi film actor Mila Al Zahrani, Kloss Films founder Alec Maxwell and renowned fashion icons Helena Christensen and Eva Herzigova as ambassadors to champion the long-term mission of the platform.
AlUla Creates is part of Film AlUla’s wider strategy to develop a film-friendly ecosystem which will include a world-class purpose-built studio and digital creative hub complex in AlUla.
As the film industry in Saudi Arabia continues to develop at a rapid pace, generous financial and support incentives have seen a significant increase in productions shooting in AlUla region.
As Film AlUla positions the region as an international filming destination, there is emphasis on producing films in the most efficient way possible, whilst respecting the natural environment, resources, and cultural significance.
Film AlUla has also partnered with Eco-Age, an integrated sustainability consultancy, to help build a credible, honest, overarching narrative which respects and elevates the authentic stories of the people, community, and culture.
This will align with The Royal Commission for AlUla’s program on sustainability which focuses on water, carbon, waste and circular economy and biodiversity in AlUla.
AlUla Creates is currently building the infrastructure and global network of mentorships and other resources to support the next generation of women Saudi storytellers.
Charlene Deleon-Jones, Executive Director at Film AlUla, said, “Over 70 percent of the population in Saudi Ariba is under 30 with the fastest growing cinema audience in the world.”
She said, “AlUla Creates is part of this picture providing opportunities for creative development and collaborations across sectors and borders.”
Alec Maxwell, Director at KLOSS Films said, “It feels exciting to work with an all-women crew on this project and contribute to the creative future of AlUla.”
Saudi female fashion designers, sister duo, Alia and Abeer Olaif of Atelier Hekayat and Arwa Al Ammari of ArAm, have designed three bespoke looks, co-created with and constructed by British fashion designer Emilia Wickstead, for The Oscars Vanity Fair party in Los Angeles, US.
Caroline Rush, CEO of The British Fashion Council (BFC) said, “AlUla Creates provides a platform to support women founders in fashion and film, to share creative processes and access platforms to build international audiences that promote cultural exchanges through a female gaze.”
She said,”Mentoring and empowering women founders is aligned to our values, and we look forward to contributing to the development of the program.”