Johnny Depp’s ‘Modi’, Michael Mann’s ‘Ferrari’ Secure Saudi Red Sea Film Foundation Investment

deadline.com:

EXCLUSIVE: Saudi Arabia’s Red Rea Film Foundation has announced it is investing in Johnny Depp’s Modi, Michael Mann’s Venice title Ferrari and Guy Ritchie’s World War Two spy action feature The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

The foundation, which is the parent body of the Jeddah-set Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF), has supported the films through its Red Sea International Film Financing arm, which previously backed Maïwenn’s Cannes 2023 opening film Jean du Barry as its first major international co-production.

There are no details on the size of the investments, but the foundation revealed Modi would also act as a pilot for a new program under which Saudi Arabian interns would be welcomed on set to gain hands-on training in various departments including Art, Camera, and Production.

The investments are a further sign of Saudi Arabia’s determination to carve itself out a place as a major player in the international film business at the same time as building an industry at home, following the lifting of its 35-year cinema ban in 2017. “Red Sea International Film Financing is a vehicle for us to support out acclaimed storytellers, great directors, and create the opportunity for cultural exchange,” said RSIFF CEO Mohammed Al Turki. “Following on from our first international co-production with Maïwenn’s highly anticipated Cannes opener Jeanne Du Barry, we are immensely elated to be playing a part in the debut of Michael Mann’s powerful film focused on one dramatic year in the life of  Enzo Ferrari, as well as supporting the making of Johnny Depp’s fascinating window into the artist Modigliani’s life and work, which puts Depp back behind the camera, and Guy Ritchie’s propulsive exploration of WWII renegades