Saudi director and producer Osama Al Khurayji’s debut feature “Siwar” has been selected as the opening film of the upcoming Saudi Film Festival, which is the oldest-running film event in the kingdom.
The film was primarily shot in AlUla, the swathe of northwest Saudi Arabia comprising ancient artifacts, a lush oasis and sandstone canyons that’s becoming a burgeoning local film production hub.
In “Siwar,” AlUla stands in for Najran, the city in southwestern Saudi Arabia near the Yemen border. The drama delves into the dynamics of how the lives of Yaner, a Turkish father played by Serkan Genç (“The Game-Hiyleger Axmaqlar”), and Hamad, a Saudi father played by Fhaid Bin Mohammed, intersect after their sons are swapped at birth.
“Siwar” is produced by Omar Said, whose credits in the region include the groundbreaking Netflix Saudi original movie “Naga,” and Al Khurayji through his Riyadh-based Hakawati Entertainment shingle.
CineWaves Films, which co-produced the project, has announced they have now also acquired global distribution rights.
“This moving human drama will undoubtedly touch the hearts of the festival audiences before it embarks on a local and international screening tour, to reaching an even wider global audience,” CineWaves Films chief Faisal Baltyour said in a statement.
Zaid Shaker, acting executive director of Film AlUla, pointed out that “with over 80% Saudi cast and crew, the film is a true reflection of local talent and storytelling.”
“Having it open the Saudi Film Festival is a proud moment — not just for Osama, but for all of us working to grow a strong, sustainable film ecosystem in the kingdom and share Saudi stories with the world,” he went on to note.
The 11th edition of the Saudi Film Festival, which is founded and operated by Saudi cinephile and poet Ahmed Almulla, will run April 17-23 in the Eastern Province city of Dhahran.
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