Saudi Arabia has become the country where Egyptian films are generating more revenue than their domestic market. This shift is largely due to the Saudi exhibition sector's growing importance, with 27% of the top 65 films at the all-time Saudi box office being Egyptian productions. As a result, many Egyptian titles have achieved significant commercial success abroad.
A few notable examples include "Bahebek", a romantic comedy that grossed $2.8 million domestically but became a breakout hit across West Asia with $22.9 million in revenue. Another example is the film "Sons of Rizk 3: Knockout", which earned $6.1 million in Egypt and $22.3 million abroad.
In recent years, Egyptian films have taken over the Saudi market share, ranking third behind US and Indian titles. A total of 33 Egyptian films were released in Saudi Arabia last year, generating over $53 million in revenue - more than twice the amount earned by all Egyptian films domestically.
The importance of foreign exports has been further emphasized by the devaluation of Egypt's box office due to a significant depreciation of its currency. Box office revenues have doubled since 2019, despite this decline. The industry is also seeing a rise in interest for arthouse titles, with "Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo" becoming Egypt's biggest-ever arthouse release.
The leading film distributor in Egypt has shifted over the years, but Synergy was recently surpassed by Misr International Films. United Motion Pictures now stands out as the principal distributor of foreign films, including Hollywood blockbusters.
A few notable examples include "Bahebek", a romantic comedy that grossed $2.8 million domestically but became a breakout hit across West Asia with $22.9 million in revenue. Another example is the film "Sons of Rizk 3: Knockout", which earned $6.1 million in Egypt and $22.3 million abroad.
In recent years, Egyptian films have taken over the Saudi market share, ranking third behind US and Indian titles. A total of 33 Egyptian films were released in Saudi Arabia last year, generating over $53 million in revenue - more than twice the amount earned by all Egyptian films domestically.
The importance of foreign exports has been further emphasized by the devaluation of Egypt's box office due to a significant depreciation of its currency. Box office revenues have doubled since 2019, despite this decline. The industry is also seeing a rise in interest for arthouse titles, with "Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo" becoming Egypt's biggest-ever arthouse release.
The leading film distributor in Egypt has shifted over the years, but Synergy was recently surpassed by Misr International Films. United Motion Pictures now stands out as the principal distributor of foreign films, including Hollywood blockbusters.
#EgyptianFilmPowerhouse! It's awesome to see them breaking barriers and raking in the dough abroad 
The numbers are insane - 33 films generating over $53 million, that's like double what they make domestically 
. I'm also stoked about the rise of arthouse titles, it's a great way to showcase different types of stories and bring people together 
#ArthouseRevolution.
. And can we talk about how exciting it is that US and Indian films are taking a backseat to Egyptian titles? 
It's all about the homegrown talent, baby! #EgyptianFilmFuture.
. That would be huge for both countries and could lead to some amazing new stories being told 
. Fingers crossed we'll see that happen soon 
#GlobalFilmCollaboration.
! I mean, it's not like they're getting a bad rap or anything, but $53 million is a crazy amount for them to rake in 
️. But at the same time, can we talk about how devalued the Egyptian box office really is? Like, $22.3 million for a film that didn't even do that well locally? That's some serious financial support from Saudi Arabia 
... maybe?!
.
. I'm curious to check out some of these movies, like "Bahebek" and "Sons of Rizk 3: Knockout". Maybe we'll see a wave of Egyptian indie films floodin' the global market next? 
Can't wait to see what other surprises the Egyptian film industry has in store for us... 
! I mean, who wouldn't want to watch a bunch of dudes punching each other for hours on end? 
... Egypt awards? 
. Like, we all know Egypt has a rich history and culture, but not everyone would've predicted this level of commercial success abroad 
. It's also interesting to see how this shift in market share is helping boost box office revenues - even with the devaluation of their currency 
.
. It's an exciting time to be a fan of Egyptian cinema, that's for sure 
!
I mean, seriously though, it's crazy to think that their local market isn't doing as well as Egypt's exports are. Guess you could say the magic carpet of Hollywood has got nothing on the magic carpet of the Arab world - at least when it comes to rom-coms like "Bahebek"! 
saudi arabia is literally killing it with egyptian films! $53 million in revenue last year is insane 
seeking haven for mr rambo is so cool how it became egypt's biggest-ever release 
anyway back to the news i'm not surprised that egpy films are killing it in saudi arabia but like what about the locals?? shouldnt they get a chance to watch their own movies?? btw did u know that misr international films just took over as the leading distributor in egypt??? 
.
. It's interesting to see how arthouse titles like "Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo" are gaining traction - perhaps this shift will lead to more innovative storytelling and diverse programming choices 
I mean, who knew that "Bahebek" could rake in that kind of cash?