Here’s Why Hollywood Producer Tarak Ben Ammar Has Set His Sights On Saudi Arabia

Tarak Ben Ammar has played a significant role in putting Tunisia on Hollywood movie map. The veteran film producer with a filmography stretching back to the 1970s, has now set his eyes on what he says could be one of the film world’s next big locales: Saudi Arabia.

For decades, Ben Ammar transported film enthusiasts into magical desert landscapes, from Tatooine in “Star Wars” to the shifting sands of “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. He has been a part of several more blockbusters such as “Indiana Jones”, “Equalizer 3” and “Scream”.

The scores of films he got involved in employed one million people and established Tunisia as a prominent player in the vibrant industry. He said he saw the potential of Saudi Arabia as a film hub on noticing the success of his films in the Kingdom.

Speaking on the Arab News podcast The Mayman Show, the filmmaker said Saudi Arabia “has 38 million people; it has its own market. It has a youth that is hungry to be entertained, to create … That’s why I said to myself … This is a great market. I have to come here and invest.”

Tarak Ben Ammar Has Slightly Different Plans For Saudi Film Industry

“I am coming to invest in your country. Invest … my knowledge, my name, my credentials, and bringing with me people who say, ‘This is what we’re going to be doing.’ We’re going to build the emerging industry of Saudi Arabia.”

Though potential rebates and tax incentives are certainly a reason for its allure, Ben Ammar said his plans for the Saudi film industry may be different to what he has done elsewhere. “I am not obsessed with bringing Hollywood to Saudi Arabia.”

The film producer noted that American and Egyptian movies dominate the entire Middle East region. “Today … let’s say, 50-50, American and Egyptian movies. If we can lower that and make it … 20% Saudi, then you have new filmmakers, new actors, new musicians …”

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Ben Ammar said a flourishing Saudi film industry may address the issue of Arab representation in Hollywood. In addition, he highlighted that the creation of more foreign-language news channels is also expected to help bolster the Kingdom’s international image.”