Ben Ammar has slammed the Arab movie world's reliance on the US.
Tarak Ben Ammar, the man who brought Star Wars to Tunisia and perhaps the most powerful man in the Arab movie world has called for more investment and training for local talent over investment in Hollywood blockbusters. In the process, he says, the region can build a sustainable and successful industry without relying on imported talent.
Ben Ammar issued the rallying cry in his keynote speech at Abu Dhabi’s Circle Conference, taking place this week alongside the Abu Dhabi International Film Festival.
Speaking exclusively to DPME after his speech, Ben Ammar said: “The fact we have these festivals, Dubai, Qatar, the Circle, this is all positive, there’s a movement here. But I would like them to not be obsessed with Hollywood. Hollywood doesn’t need our talent, they just need our money. I’m not against partnerships, but I’m against a free ride.
“What I’m saying to the rich oil countries is by all means be involved with Hollywood, but as a partner, not as a banker, and in the process impose your people. There’s not one director that would say no, they love to leave a legacy. That’s what we can leave a generation of Emiratis. There’s a thousand television stations in the Arab world, and 975 of them lose money. If we can fund all these stations, let’s fill them up with Arab talent. Let’s create jobs, culture and independence.”
Ben Ammar has, over the last 30 years built a media empire including studios, productions, distribution and TV channels across Europe, the US, North Afica and the Middle East . His next production, Black Gold is about to start shooting in Tunisia.
See this November’s Digital Studio for a full interview with Ben Ammar.
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