The Saudi Film Commission has announced the official rules, eligibility requirements and selection process for the film that will represent the Kingdom in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. The requirements include a paid commercial theatrical run of at least seven consecutive days, a runtime of more than 40 minutes, and requirements related to the language of dialogue and subtitles.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the announced framework is based on the regulations of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and sets out the requirements for accepting films, the submission procedures and the approved stages for selecting the Kingdom’s official entry.
Independent film selection committee
The commission has formed an independent committee comprising film industry professionals and specialists to oversee the selection process. The committee will evaluate eligible works and then vote to determine the film that will represent Saudi Arabia at the Academy Awards, in line with the Academy’s guidelines.
Exhibition and distribution restrictions
The rules stipulate that the film must not have been made available on streaming platforms or through any other means of distribution before the start of its qualifying theatrical run. It must also meet all other eligibility requirements in force at the Academy.
Call to review the rules
The Saudi Film Commission called on filmmakers wishing to submit their works for consideration as part of the Kingdom’s official entry to carefully review the published rules and eligibility requirements and ensure that all requirements are met before submitting.
