Netflix Partners With Righters House to Train Saudi Screenwriting Talent
In a significant move to nurture the next generation of storytellers, Netflix has partnered with Saudi Arabia’s premier creative hub, Righters House, to launch the “Write the Future — Feature Film Writers Lab.” This ambitious three-month program is designed to identify, train, and empower emerging Saudi screenwriting talent, directly investing in the foundation of the Kingdom’s flourishing film industry.
Announced this week, the initiative will strategically unfold across three distinct regions—Asir, Al Madinah, and the Eastern Province—bringing world-class professional training directly to local creative communities outside the traditional hubs. This regional focus underscores a commitment to discovering and cultivating voices from across the entire nation.
Building the Ecosystem from the Ground Up
The lab will select 18 participants to undergo intensive development. The program combines online masterclasses with in-person writers’ labs and pitch preparation sessions. Mentorship will cover the core pillars of screenwriting: story development, character creation, narrative structure, and the crucial art of the pitch.
Pelin Mavili, Netflix’s Director of Global Affairs for the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, emphasized the philosophy behind the investment: “Screenwriting is at the heart of storytelling, and investing in writers is one of the most meaningful ways we can support the future of storytelling… we are focused on building skills, creating access to industry expertise, and supporting emerging voices across Saudi Arabia.”
A Launchpad for Saudi Stories
Conducted entirely in Arabic to ensure authenticity and accessibility, the lab aims to bridge the gap between raw creative potential and professional industry standards. By its conclusion, each participant will have developed a complete feature-film package, including a logline, synopsis, treatment, pitch deck, and a recorded pitch.
This tangible output provides writers with the concrete materials needed to advance their projects professionally. As Rulan Hasan, co-founder and head of content at Righters House, stated, this is “a strategic step to empower writers living in the Kingdom with global storytelling tools.”
The “Write the Future” lab represents more than just a training program; it is a strategic investment in the very bedrock of Saudi cinema. By equipping local writers with skill, confidence, and industry-ready portfolios, Netflix and Righters House are not only amplifying individual voices but are also actively co-authoring the next chapter of Saudi Arabia’s compelling and fast-evolving creative narrative.
Also Read:
US-Iran Nuclear Talks to Take Place in Oman, White House Confirms
