The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing unprecedented and continuous support for the cultural and creative sector. The Ministry of Culture, through all its affiliated bodies, is actively working to enhance the cultural landscape of the Kingdom both locally and internationally. The Saudi Film Commission, in particular, is focused on developing the film industry and the production ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, as well as empowering and supporting Saudi filmmakers.

Amid this vibrant cultural movement—encompassing cultural, entertainment, and sports events—the Saudi Film Festival emerges as one of the key platforms for Saudi creativity and creatives. This cultural and creative boom is reflected in the experiences of Saudi filmmakers, supported through funding initiatives, incentives, awards, competitions, and the services provided by several non-profit organizations such as the Saudi Cinema Association, the Saudi Film Festival, the Red Sea International Film Festival, Film AlUla, and others. These organizations play a pivotal role in driving this cultural transformation.

The question I always ponder is: how long will this momentum last? Is it just a short-lived phase of brilliance, or will the wheel continue to turn? What role can non-profit institutions play in maintaining this momentum and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the cultural and creative sector? The growth and development of culture depend on consistent support, which, in turn, requires the activation and engagement of other sectors—such as non-profits and the private sector—to guarantee the continuity of cultural advancement.

Non-profit institutions are essential to the cultural sector, particularly in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, where governments have traditionally played the central role in funding arts and culture. However, for this sector to be sustainable, it is crucial that other stakeholders become involved. Their contribution can help improve the quality of life and livelihoods for creatives. A thriving creative climate will also enhance the performance of non-profit organizations.

There are many non-profit institutions that provide financial support and incentives for film projects. Some invest in film as an art form regardless of the content, while others set specific conditions for their support—for example, Film AlUla requires that supported projects be filmed in AlUla and showcase the region.

Globally, non-profit organizations also benefit from this support—either through financial returns from the films or through government incentives such as tax exemptions. Many institutions offer support to filmmakers, including the Sundance Institute, which organizes the Sundance Film Festival and runs the Sundance Documentary Fund to support documentaries tackling social issues. The Paul Robeson Fund is another model for funding social-issue documentaries, offering grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000. Additional examples include the New York State Council on the Arts and the Minnesota Independent Film Fund, among others.

In conclusion, non-profit institutions are essential to the cultural and creative sector in Saudi Arabia. They play a key role in transitioning from fully government-funded cultural initiatives to a more diverse model involving private sector and donor contributions. In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Film Festival—launched in 2007 with a clear goal of supporting the local film movement—serves as a prime example. Today, we are witnessing its impact through the participation of over 698 projects. This success has only been possible through the support of non-profit institutions such as the Saudi Cinema Association, the Film Commission, and the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), all of which have helped drive this movement toward global platforms in the near future.