Saudi Studio Telfaz 11 Reveals Genre-Bending Epic ‘Al-Gaid’ as First Title of Nine-Picture Deal With Neom (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Nick Vivarelli International Correspondent Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding Telfaz11 Studios has announced the genre-bending epic “Al-Gaid” (working title), set to be the first feature to go into production under its exclusive nine-picture deal with Neom, the sprawling production hub in Saudi’s northwestern corner.

Set against the backdrop of the 19th-century wintery northern Arabian desert, “Al-Gaid” is penned by Saudi novelist and writer Ahmed Alhokail and blends the revenge genre with Bedouin soap opera tropes, “crafting a unique narrative tailored for an Arab audience,” according to a Telfaz11 statement. “Rooted in an authentic Saudi perspective, ‘Al-Gaid’ aims to revolutionize the landscape of Saudi epic films.” Besides being a writer, Alhokail is head of content at Saudi Research and Media Group SRMG.

His literary works include a short story collection titled “Home,” featuring tales set in Saudi during the 1970s and 1980s. “Al-Gaid” will be the first feature film directed by Saudi’s Hussam Alhulwah, who has produced and directed TV movies for MBC and Saudi TV and made several shorts through Riyadh’s Talashi Film collective. “We are thrilled to reveal ‘Al-Gaid’ as the first installment of our 2024 slate,” said Alaa Faden, CEO of Telfaz11, in the statement. “This project not only reflects our commitment to pushing creative boundaries, but also emphasizes the richness of storytelling in Saudi.” “Al-Gaid” is now in pre-production with casting underway and plans for cameras to start rolling in Neom in 2024.

The landmark deal between Telfaz11 and Neom, which will see the creation of up to nine television and film productions over the next three years, was announced last June (execs are pictured above).