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Sony Seals Multi-Year Deal With Qatar to Co-Finance and Distribute Arabic Films

Qatar pairs the studio pact with a new 50% production rebate to accelerate its push to become a regional filmmaking hub.

Overview

  • Sony Pictures International Productions and Qatar’s Film Committee will co-develop and co-finance multiple Arabic-language features from the Middle East and North Africa, with Sony handling global distribution and both sides sharing key creative and financial approvals.
  • Projects may be original stories or adaptations from Sony’s library and will be run through a jointly approved local producer intended to strengthen Qatar’s production ecosystem.
  • The agreement includes a writers’ incubation lab designed to nurture a new generation of regional screenwriters.
  • The move was unveiled during Doha Film Festival Industry Days as part of a broader slate of partnerships that includes Neon, Miramax, Department M, Parrot Analytics and Company 3.
  • Qatar launched the Qatar Screen Production Incentive offering up to 50% back on qualifying spend, structured as a 40% base plus an extra 10% for hiring Qatari talent, training or cultural promotion, requiring a Qatari-registered partner, allowing up to 25% spend in selected neighboring countries and opening applications in Q2 2026.