Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Weekly Subject Experts’ Presentation was held at Hall C, TY Buratai Block, Abuja. The only presentation for the day was made by the Subject Experts on Middle East.
The presentation was made by Brig Gen AR Bello Subject experts on Middle East focused his presentation on how, Launch Of Cinema Platform Mars Pushes For Film Studies In Saudi Arabia. On 15 April 2025, Arab News reported a major development in Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape, highlighting the launch of the country’s first dedicated cinema platform, Mars. This initiative marks a significant investment in the creative arts and represents a critical milestone in the Kingdom’s ongoing cultural transformation under the Vision 2030 agenda. The announcement occurred during a high-profile event in Riyadh attended by filmmakers, cultural officials, and students. The report by Arab News stated that Mars is envisioned as a central hub for film production, academic study, and cultural exchange. It is tailored to support emerging filmmakers, promote cinematic research, and foster dialogue within the regional film community.
The platform has digital archives, a rich library of local and international films, and educational resources that connect theoretical learning with hands-on filmmaking. Mohammed Al-Turki, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, described the platform as “a game-changer for Saudi film education and industry.” The country’s Minister of Culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah, also emphasized the strategic importance of the platform.
In a statement reported by the Saudi Gazette on April 15, 2024, he noted that “Mars will not only empower our youth with knowledge and creativity, but also place Saudi Arabia on the global cinematic map.” The launch of Mars is seen as part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to enhance its soft power through cultural and educational development. It aligns closely with Vision 2030’s goal of diversifying the economy beyond oil by expanding key sectors such as tourism, entertainment, and education.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen AR Bello stressed that, The Nigerian film industry, widely known as Nollywood, has grown into a powerful cultural and economic force. While it is still far from perfect, the industry continues to play a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s image both domestically and internationally. As one of the largest film industries globally in terms of production volume, second only to India’s Bollywood, Nollywood has become a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy and a dynamic platform for cultural expression. In recent years, there has been increasing awareness of the need to position Nollywood not just as a source of entertainment but also as a driver of economic development, national progress, and the rebranding of Nigeria’s global image. Historically, the Nigerian film industry has its roots in traveling theatre troupes and early television productions in the 1960s and 1970s. With the advent of Video Home System (VHS) technology in the 1990s, Nigeria saw a dramatic rise in low-budget, direct-to-video films. According to a 2023 report by BusinessDay, the combined market value of the Nigerian movie and music industries surged to ₦1.97 trillion from ₦1.55 trillion in 2020, reflecting a growth of 27.46% over three years.
He recommended that, The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture should establish a national film and media hub that integrates education, research, and digital archiving to support Nollywood’s growth.
