Sony Pictures International Productions has signed a multi-year deal with Qatar’s Emerging Films Commission to co-finance a series of Arabic-language films from the Middle East and North Africa.
The deal is one of several agreements with Hollywood studios announced at the inaugural Doha Film Festival’s Industry Days by Hassan Al Thawadi, chairman of the Qatar Film Commission and Qatari lawyer who will oversee the 2022 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament. This follows similar deals with US indie studios Neon and Miramax announced on Friday.
The Qatar Film Board is a public institution that is part of the Media City Qatar Hub and is tasked with driving the growth of the country’s entertainment industry. On Friday, the company announced the launch of regional rebates offering up to 50% in cash.
“The agreement to increase our presence in Qatar includes global distribution and a commitment to co-develop and co-produce multiple Arabic-language feature films, underscoring Sony’s commitment to the region,” Qatar Film Board and Sony said in a joint statement.
“Projects may include original stories or adaptations from Sony’s library that are managed by co-approved local producers and directly benefit the production ecosystem in Qatar and the wider region,” the statement reads. “Sony will distribute globally, while the Film Commission and Sony Pictures International Productions will share approval on all major creative and financial decisions. The deal also includes the development of an Author Development Lab aimed at nurturing a new generation of writers for the region.”
Details regarding projects already underway are being kept secret.
“Sony Pictures’ commitment to partner with the Film Commission to co-develop and produce Arabic-language films reflects the region’s growing stature in the global film industry and the emergence of the Global South as a true creative force,” Al Thawadi said in a statement.
“The Middle East is one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing regions for entertainment,” said Stephen O’Dell, head of Sony Pictures’ Entertainment Motion Picture Group. “Sony Pictures has a long history in growing markets, and this new deal in Qatar reflects our commitment to the region as we continue to deliver stories that are impactful to audiences and resonate locally.”
