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Film AlUla has signed a memorandum of understanding with international film financier Sherborne Media Finance at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, creating a financing framework for Saudi, Middle Eastern and international film and television projects shooting in AlUla. The arrangement is designed to convert contracted production support into capital during filming, addressing the cash-flow gap between spending and the eventual payment of rebates or other incentives. The partnership also links production finance with workforce development as AlUla seeks to build a broader screen ecosystem.

Details

• Financing structure: Eligible productions will be able to obtain debt financing secured against production rebates, grants, incentives and other forms of financial support. Together, these mechanisms can cover up to 50% of eligible production expenditure incurred in AlUla. Producers can therefore use future receivables as the basis for financing instead of waiting until contracted support is paid.
• Cash-flow objective: Film incentives reduce overall production costs, but producers typically incur expenses before reimbursements arrive. The model is intended to bridge that timing gap and provide greater certainty over cash flow while projects are being filmed.
• Production offer: Film AlUla, the film agency of the Royal Commission for AlUla, promotes the northwestern Saudi region as an international production destination. Its offer includes purpose-built facilities, soundstages, local talent and access to desert landscapes, archaeological sites and historic architecture.
• Workforce plans: The partners plan structured training programs, technical crew upskilling and local recruitment initiatives. Their aim is to increase the number of Saudi and regional professionals able to work on major film and television productions, while expanding local production capacity.
• Sherborne experience: Sherborne has already participated in Saudi production financing. Co-CEO Alastair Burlingham cited its financing and production of “Chasing Red” earlier in 2026, alongside Caravan, the company’s Saudi joint venture established with Stampede.
• Sector development: Saudi Arabia has invested in film since cinemas reopened in 2018 after decades without commercial theaters. The expansion forms part of Vision 2030’s economic diversification and creative-industry agenda, combining production incentives, infrastructure, international partnerships and domestic talent development. International productions can bring capital, expertise and employment, while skill transfers support the domestic industry.

Background

AlUla’s role extends beyond serving as a location. The region is being developed for film, television and other creative industries as Saudi Arabia seeks the studios, services, technical crews, post-production capabilities and experienced professionals needed to sustain production. The agreement adds a structured capital mechanism tied directly to support available for projects filmed there. That broader model pairs locations and incentives with infrastructure and skills.

What’s next

Qualifying producers will next be able to seek financing against contracted rebates and incentives for AlUla shoots. Uptake by film and television projects, alongside the rollout of training, upskilling and recruitment programs, will indicate how the framework translates into production activity and local capacity.