They say that if you don’t have any thing nice to say, then don’t say anything at all. Which is probably why you can’t walk along a red carpet premiere in the region without hearing people praising the name Mohammed Al Turki – or, Mo Al Turki, to his friends.
The Saudi film producer has not only been a driving force in his country’s film industry, but is proving to be a testament to the transformative power of cinema on a global scale. His journey, spanning both Hollywood and his native country, reflects a deep-seated passion for story telling and wider inclusion in an industry that—let’s be honest—desperately needs it.
Mo Al Turki’s Hollywood success is undeniable.He’s the man behind award-winning films that have graced prestigious international festivals including Arbitrage (2012) starring Richard Gere, 99 Homes(2014) with Andrew Garfield, and Nicholas Jarecki’s 2021 thriller, Crisis, featuring Gary Oldman, Luke Evans and Michelle Rodriguez.
But notwithstanding his success in the world’s most difficult film industry, it was Al Turki’s heart that brought him back to his homeland. Recognizing the immense potential of Saudi cinema, following the unveiling of major cultural policy changes by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Al Turki returned to the Kingdom, not as a triumphant star, but as a humble builder, eager to nurture a nascent industry and inspire a new generation of young filmmakers.
His homecoming couldn’t have been at a more opportune time. The winds of change were sweeping through Saudi Arabia, and cinema, which was once forbidden, was now being embraced as a powerful cultural force. Al Turki has been a key player in this renaissance. His spearheading the production of Crisis, allowed it to become one of the first major international films to be shown in Saudi Arabia after the ban was lifted. It wasn’t just a movie; it was a symbol of a nation awakening to its potential as a global storyteller.
But Al Turki’s vision extends beyond individual films. Now the CEO of the Red Sea International Film Festival, he plays a very active role in the transformative power of a thriving film ecosystem, fostering a platform for the region’s filmmakers, celebrating their diverse voices and showcasing their talent to the world.
As a sign of its immense early success, the past three years has seen the Al Turki-led Red Sea Fund helped produce more than 250 films—nine of which were selected in the official selection for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2023. Al Turki’s commitment goes beyond mere events and festivals. He actively collaborates with the Saudi Ministry of Culture, shaping policies and initiatives that nurture the industry’s infrastructure. He shares 1his hard-earned Hollywood wisdom with young filmmakers, hoping to ignite their passion for storytelling, with the core belief that representation is key to dismantling stereotypes and fostering wider cross-cultural understanding.
His efforts are bearing fruit. A new generation of Saudi filmmakers is emerging—such as IbrahimAl Hajjaj, Ali Al-Kalthami and the Telfaz 11 team led by Alaa Faden. Their voices bold, their stories authentic, and their potential boundless. They are the product of Al Turki’s unwavering belief, his dedication to building a film industry that reflects the richness and complexity of Saudi culture.Mohammed Al Turki’s story is not just about personal success; it’s about the power of cinema to shape a nation’s identity. He is at the front of the caravan, illuminating the path with his vision and unwavering passion and—much like the Gulf region itself—has become a testament to the transformative power of human ambition
Despite his success, Al Turki is by all accounts a rather shy person, happy for other to bask in the spotlight, what he drives projects forward with quiet confidence. They always say, if you want to really know someone you should talk to those who know them best, so Esquire Middle East spoke to several of Al Turki’s A-list collaborators and confidants to try better understand just what makes the man..
On Friendship
Mo and I go back a long way. As a friend, he is as loyal as they come. He is somebody who will always check-in on you—even if he is a thousand miles away on the other side of the world. I’ve had the pleasure to see him grow from a plucky young film producer who would back upcoming directors, but also woo major talents like Richard Gere to work on his projects; all the way to him now being a champion of film in Middle East as CEO of the Red Sea Film Festival.
– By Ed Westwick, Actor
We’ve gone from being young, wild and having crazy adventures all over the world, to now being proper adults! Mo is now a brilliant and responsible human, and I couldn’t imagine my life without him.
– By Michelle Rodriguez, Actor
On his impact on Saudi Cinema
Mo Al Turki’s profound love for film transcends the screen. He’s driving a transformative impact on the industry. A quiet visionary, his unwavering support for the local film scene at Red Sea Film Festival reflects a commitment to elevate Saudi cinema, steering the industry towards new horizons.
– By Alaa Faden, CEO of Telfaz11
I look up to Mohammed, a lot of us in the Saudi film industry do. He is such an influence for us, both what he does in film and what he does with film.
– By Ibrahim Al Hajjaj, Actor
On Fashion
In a world where style and substance occasionally collide, Mo effortlessly masters both. I’m extremely proud of what he’s done with the Red Sea Film Festival over the past three years, and—as if he weren’t busy enough—he’s also added fashion guru to his plate! I love that he’s always ahead of the curve; it’s like he’s wearing tomorrow’s fashion yesterday. What I really appreciate is Mo’s forward-thinking style, his support for rising creatives and his strong commitment to inclusion. And, let’s not forget how fantastic he looks on every red carpet!
– By Naomi Campbell, Fashion Icon
On fostering cultural collaboration
We first met when filming 99 Homes in New Orleans—and I remember the project having the sense of a group of outsiders coming together to tell a story about being an outsider. It really had spirit of bringing cultures and talents together in a way that was very soulful. That same understanding of cultural collaboration is what Mo brings to the Red Sea Film Festival asa platform that creates opportunity for independent films both on a local and international level. It reminds me a lot of whatRobert Redford did when he setup the Sundance Film Festival.
– By Andrew Garfield, Actor
