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Saudi Arabia Fuels Egyptian Cinema's Global Rise
22 Nov
Summary
- Saudi Arabia's box office is the primary revenue source for nine top Egyptian films.
- Egyptian films earned over $53 million in Saudi Arabia in 2024.
- Foreign markets now more lucrative than Egypt's domestic cinema sector.
The Egyptian film industry is experiencing significant international growth, with Saudi Arabia emerging as its most vital export market. Between 2021 and 2024, Saudi Arabia's box office provided the primary revenue stream for nine of Egypt's top ten film exports, underscoring a shift where international markets now surpass domestic earnings.
In 2024 alone, Egyptian films grossed over $53 million in Saudi Arabia, more than double their domestic takings. This burgeoning partnership is bolstered by incentives like preferential tax treatment for Egyptian-Saudi co-productions, a move exemplified by "Flight 404," Egypt's Academy Awards submission.
Despite a decline in the dollar value of Egypt's box office due to currency depreciation, the industry's resilience is evident. The growth in Saudi Arabia and other export markets, coupled with a recovering local audience, indicates a dynamic and expanding future for Egyptian cinema.
