BRI could unlock Asia's film distribution potential: 'Antara' producer

China's Belt and Road Initiative could positively impact film distribution for Asian and Middle Eastern films and content amid greater engagement that could unlock broader economic potential for the region, according to an award-winning Hollywood producer.

Alexander Amartei, an Irish entrepreneur, Investor, CEO of Amartei Entertainment, told China Daily on the sidelines of the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) on March 11 that the BRI "is linking people in a very high-level way", which he said was "going to be great for the film industry as well".

"Anything that brings people together in the high level usually is the winner. And they're giving a chance and opportunity for neighboring countries that are not so developed to be able to jump on this train of development to be more participative in other industries and improve their economies, benefit from the economy of China and allow them to contribute what they're good at," said Amartei, who is co-producer of Antara, a Saudi Arabia-set epic.

Based on a true story, Antara is a 6th Century Swords and Sandals Epic that tells the true story of Antara Ibn Shaddad, a black slave who won his freedom and became a knight, and one of the most famous poets in ancient Arabia.

"Antara" is the first major movie in history funded by NFTs and would be shot in Saudi's futuristic city, NEOM, under British director Simon West of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Con Air, to name a few.

"We're really all about bringing the world together through film, and it's a really interesting time at the moment where the relationship between China and the Middle East and Asia and the Middle East is really good," said Amartei.

"It's not just through trade or infrastructure or technology and collaboration. It's also about movie business, bringing the people together through film and soft power between regions," he added.