Statement from MPAA Chairman & CEO Charles Rivkin on Saudi Arabia’s Decision to Re-Open Movie Theaters

WASHINGTON – The following is a statement from Charles Rivkin, Chairman & CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), on today’s announcement that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will allow movie theaters to open after more than 35 years.

“The MPAA applauds the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – under the leadership of HRH Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman – for its decision to end the prohibition on movie theaters. This is a positive step for the development of Saudi Arabia’s local creative economy and for moviegoers throughout the Middle East region. We firmly believe that film has the power to build bridges, across borders and between cultures, in every corner of the world.

“I traveled to Saudi Arabia while serving as Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs and saw firsthand how members of the Saudi business community and entrepreneurs are engaging with their international counterparts. I am confident that the global film and television industry will be enriched by the participation of Saudi Arabia’s storytellers and film enthusiasts.”

About the MPAA
The Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries from its offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Its members include: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Paramount Pictures Corporation; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLC; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

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For more information, contact:

MPAA Washington, D.C.
Chris Ortman
(202) 293-1966
Chris_Ortman@motionpictures.org