Saudi Arabian film industry pioneer Faisal Baltyuor has been appointed CEO of the Red Sea Foundation, a pivotal organization overseeing the Jeddah-based Red Sea Film Festival, the Red Sea Fund, and its ongoing Red Sea Labs initiatives. This significant appointment, effective June 1st, marks a new chapter for the foundation and represents a major step forward for the burgeoning Saudi film industry. Baltyuor succeeds acting CEO Mohammed Asserri, stepping into a role defined by his extensive and impactful contributions to Saudi cinema. The Foundation’s work is critical to advancing Saudi Arabia’s ambitions within the global film landscape, fostering innovation and supporting the growth of a vibrant cinematic ecosystem. This strategic move aligns perfectly with the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 goals, recognizing the crucial role of the creative sector in driving economic diversification and cultural enrichment.

For years, Faisal Baltyuor has been a driving force behind Saudi Arabia’s cinematic resurgence. His career is marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements and strategic leadership roles. Notably, he spearheaded the creation of Ithra Cinema, a venture financed by Saudi Aramco Oil Company, which played a crucial role in reintroducing cinema to the Kingdom. Following this success, he founded and led CineWaves Films, the country’s largest film distributor, boasting an impressive library of Saudi films. Furthermore, he served as CEO of Muvi Studios, the production arm of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent cinema chain, demonstrating his comprehensive understanding of the entire filmmaking ecosystem. Baltyuor’s deep understanding of the industry, combined with his proactive approach, has been instrumental in overcoming significant barriers and establishing a strong foundation for future growth. His ability to connect with key stakeholders, including international partners and investors, has been a key factor in his success.

Baltyuor’s influence extends beyond distribution and production. He was instrumental in championing Saudi talent, notably executive producing Haifaa Al Mansour’s critically acclaimed ‘The Perfect Candidate,’ which premiered at the prestigious Venice Film Festival in 2019. He also played a key role in the development and success of ‘Satthar,’ a hugely popular local comedy that captured the nation’s attention. Currently, he is a producer on the Saudi Netflix Original ‘From the Ashes,’ a film that achieved remarkable global success, ranking among the top 10 most-watched titles on the streaming platform across 40 countries. His commitment to international collaboration is further evidenced by his involvement in co-producing Sudanese director Mohamed Kordofani’s award-winning ‘Goodbye Julia,’ which earned the Prix de la Liberté at Cannes in 2023. This demonstrates a strategic vision focused on both domestic and international recognition.

The Red Sea Film Foundation’s mission, from its inception, has been to catalyze a cinematic renaissance across Saudi Arabia and the wider region. Chairwoman Jomana Al-Rashid expressed her delight at Baltyuor’s appointment, stating, "We are delighted to welcome Faisal to this transformative journey. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to unlocking the boundless potential of emerging talent will fuel not only artistic excellence but also the sustainable growth of our industry."

Baltyuor, in turn, shared his enthusiasm, commenting, "I am deeply honoured to assume the position of CEO at the Red Sea Film Foundation, a leading institution at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s cultural and cinematic evolution. In a remarkably short time, the foundation has secured its place on the global festival map, and we are committed to building on this success. Through our diverse programmes, we will continue to support a thriving film industry both locally and internationally, in line with the ambitions of Vision 2030, which places the creative sector at the heart of national development."

This appointment signals a continued focus on fostering innovation, supporting Saudi filmmakers, and solidifying the Red Sea Film Festival’s position as a vital component of Saudi Arabia’s cultural and economic future. The foundation’s dedication to Vision 2030 – a national strategy for diversifying the Saudi economy – underscores the strategic importance of the film industry within the Kingdom’s broader development goals. Baltyuor’s experience and the Foundation’s ambitious vision promise a dynamic and prosperous future for Saudi cinema. The alignment with Vision 2030 is paramount, recognizing the film industry as a key driver of economic growth and social development.