Saudis court Hollywood actors to boost film industry

HOLLYWOOD and Bollywood actors raised eyebrows yesterday by appearing in Saudi Arabia at a conference to promote the kingdom’s entertainment industry, a year after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Jackie Chan, Jean-claude Van Damme and Jason Momoa, the Aquaman actor, took to the stage in Riyadh alongside Shah Rukh Khan, known in India as the King of Bollywood.

The four posed for photos at the Ritz Carlton, the host venue for the two-day Joy Forum, with Van Damme playfully showing off a stunt kick aimed at Abdulaziz Al-muzaini, the Saudi director.

The fees paid were not disclosed, but Momoa is said to command $200,000 (£158,000) per appearance, according to the New York Post. Representatives of the actors did not respond to requests for comment.

Will Smith and Russell Crowe declined to attend, according to the Post.

Khashoggi, one of the kingdom’s most prominent writers and critics, was murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct 2 last year.

Many Hollywood figures have been wary about being involved with the country. Last November, Legendary Entertainment, the studio behind films such as Jurassic World, was forced to deny it was considering accepting a $700 million investment from the Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF, saying it had “no interest” in accepting the cash.

However, the Saudis are continuing with plans to present the kingdom as an attractive film destination.

Amr bin Ahmad Banaja, the chief executive of Joy Forum, said the country was “moving ahead with its efforts to build a … first-rate regional entertainment industry hub.”