Netflix Trains 18 Saudi Writers to Tell Their Stories

Eighteen aspiring screenwriters in Saudi Arabia just completed a transformative program that could reshape the Kingdom's film industry. Netflix and Righters House brought professional screenwriting training directly to creative communities in Asir, Madinah, and the Eastern Province, investing in voices that have rarely been heard on screen.

The "Write the Future: Feature Film Writers Lab" didn't just offer theory. Participants walked away with complete development packages for their Arabic-language feature films, including treatments, pitch decks, and recorded pitches ready to present to industry professionals.

The program's three-phase structure combined online masterclasses with hands-on workshops, covering everything from character development to narrative structure. All instruction was delivered in Arabic, ensuring writers could develop their craft in their native language without barriers.

The initiative specifically targeted underrepresented voices, selecting participants from a competitive application pool. By bringing training to three different regions instead of just major cities, the program reached storytellers who might never have had access to professional film education.

"Saudi Arabia is one of the region's most exciting creative markets, with a new generation of writers ready to tell its stories," said Pelin Mavili, Netflix's director of global affairs for the Middle East, Africa and Turkey. The streaming giant's commitment reflects the Kingdom's growing role in global entertainment.

The Ripple Effect

The impact extends far beyond 18 individual writers. These graduates now form a network of trained storytellers across Saudi Arabia, each equipped to mentor others and develop projects that reflect authentic regional experiences.

Al-Hanof Al-Salamah from the Madinah Hub captured the transformation: "I entered the lab with an idea and left with a more developed film project, deeper knowledge, and an inspiring community of mentors and fellow writers." That community represents the program's lasting infrastructure.

Rulan Hasan, co-founder of Righters House, noted the authenticity emerging from participants. "We were particularly struck by the regional resonance of the narratives, stories that felt remarkably distinctive and grounded," she said.

Abdulelah Al-Zahrani from the Abha Hub experienced a creative breakthrough. "The lab opened a new horizon in my writing, while discussions with mentors and fellow participants clearly strengthened my project," he shared.

The Kingdom's film industry is still young, making this investment in foundational talent particularly significant. These 18 writers represent the beginning of a storytelling ecosystem that could produce distinctly Saudi films for global audiences.

Saudi Arabia's stories, told by Saudi voices, are finally getting the professional development they deserve.