Insights from Around the World: Saudi Arabia’s Retreat, Expanding in Spain, and Lunch with Jeff Pope
In a significant turn of events, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly halting its financial support for the LIV Golf Tour, a move that has sent ripples through the sports community. The announcement, confirmed earlier this week, signifies a shift in the Gulf country’s approach to high-profile investments.
Uncertainty for LIV Golf
The LIV Golf Tour was established as a controversial alternative to the PGA Tour, drawing many renowned players, including Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson. With the cessation of funding from Saudi Arabia, the future of LIV Golf remains uncertain; however, organizers affirm their commitment to securing new long-term financial partners. This recent development reflects a broader trend, as Saudi Arabia’s funding in cultural investments is also seeing contraction. One notable example is the film Desert Warrior, which debuted last week and has been labeled one of the biggest box office flops, grossing a mere $596,000 to date. The disappointing performance of the film may further discourage Saudi financial backing for similar ventures in the future.
Expansion in Spain
In Spain, Frank Ariza’s AF Films is gaining traction in the independent film sector. Over the past five years, Ariza has transformed his Madrid-based studio into a distribution label, while also launching a soundstage in the Canary Islands. The studio’s lineup includes award-winning titles such as Eva Victor’s Sundance darling Sorry, Baby and the upcoming dystopian thriller No Man’s Land starring Millicent Simmonds. Ariza points out that the favorable production incentives in Spain are a significant draw for international projects, stating, “Incentives are a big driver for international productions.”
Insights from Jeff Pope
In an exclusive session with the UK press, acclaimed screenwriter Jeff Pope discussed his evolving views on the industry, especially following the arrival of American streaming giants in the factual drama space. With his latest project, Believe Me, focusing on the case of British serial rapist John Worboys, Pope noted the increasing importance of critical reviews over traditional ratings. He remarked, “I would struggle to tell you” how well his Disney+ series Suspect performed in terms of viewer metrics.
The Essentials
Keira Knightley, Stephen Dillane, and Luke Thompson will star in a London stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning film The Lives of Others. Meanwhile, A24 UK’s busy slate continues to expand with a television adaptation of Alexis Hall’s popular novel Boyfriend Material. Additionally, Damián Szifron is set to direct a new classical music film, El Sobrino, for Netflix.
In the world of legal news, details are emerging from the ongoing courtroom drama involving Rebel Wilson. Meanwhile, the international scene sees attention directed towards the Norwegian series Still Breathing, which is being likened to The Pitt. As the Cannes Film Festival approaches, there are growing discussions regarding new projects, including one featuring Jason Statham.
Upcoming calendar adjustments for Canneseries have been set, with next year’s festival now scheduled to take place in early February. Additionally, Will Jeffs and John Hauber have launched Red Imp Films in Toronto and London, while various UK film and TV organizations are enacting regulations on artificial intelligence. Finally, Michael continues to perform well at the global box office.
International Insider was prepared by Max Goldbart and edited by Jesse Whittock.
