Long-time collaborators Cairo-based Film Clinic and Dubai-based Front Row Productions are becoming a member of forces with Saudi Arabian corporations Arabia Pictures Group and Rotana Studios to provide native rom-com A Matter of Life and Death.
The Jeddah-shot function will revolve across the romance between two unconventional characters: Hayat, a superstitious younger lady who’s satisfied she’s cursed, and Yousef, a shy coronary heart surgeon coping with a bafflingly gradual heartbeat. Their fates collide as she is wishing for an finish, whereas he’s wrestling with even darker ideas.
The function might be directed by Anas Ba-Tahaf, whose 2021 drama Fay’s Palette, a few woman cloistered in her house by a controlling brother, was one of many first Saudi options to be made following the lifting of the nation’s 35-year cinema ban in 2017.
Writer and actor Sarah Taibah, who took co-writing credit on Saudi fantasy drama Hwjn, is lead author. She and Ba-Tahaf beforehand collaborated on the hit TV sequence Jameel Jeddan, by which she additionally starred as a lady who wakes up from a coma after 5 years.
Taibah, who additionally appeared in Saudi hit Mandoob, will star as Hayat reverse Yaqoub Alfarhan, who made waves internationally earlier this yr for his efficiency in Cannes 2024 Un Certain Regard choice Norah as a trainer posted to a rural village in Nineteen Nineties Saudi Arabia.
The native star’s credit additionally embody Rashash and the upcoming Telfaz11 manufacturing AlGhaid.
The romcom was introduced on the fringes of the fourth version of the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, which is at present laying on its largest market since its launch in 2021.
“We’re absolutely excited to unveil this one-of-a-kind Saudi tale,” says Film Clinic producer Moh Hefzy. “Sarah and Anas have woven a narrative that not only captivates but also strikes a chord by authentically showcasing the richness of human connections and the delightful quirks of life while exploring universal dilemmas”.
Front Row CEO Gianluca Chakra mentioned the cooperation on the movie was an indication of the rising pan-MENA movie and TV ecosystem rising within the area.
“This collaboration highlights how essential partnerships are for elevating the production industry in Saudi Arabia and the wider region. With this project, we’re infusing unique perspectives into our films, ultimately enriching the landscape,” he mentioned.
Principal pictures is ready to start in Jeddah on January 18, 2025
Front Row and Film Clinic beforehand teamed up on hit sequence Perfect Strangers, Netflix’s first native language unique for the MENA area.
Arabia Pictures Group and Film Clinic beforehand collaborated on drama Flight 404, which stars Mona Zaki and Mohamed Farrag, and is Egypt’s Oscar entry this yr. Arabia Pictures has previous kind within the rom-com style having produced 2023 image #Gawwezni (aka Marry Me) starring U.Okay.-Egyptian star Amir El-Masry.
Rotana Studio is the manufacturing arm of the Rotana Media Group, considered one of Saudi Arabia’s largest media and leisure corporations alongside MBC.
