MBC Studios, the Saudi-owned production company, has entered into a multi-project partnership with fast-growing Saudi studio Telefaz11, the brand behind the wrestling comedy “Sattar,” which achieved record results at the domestic box office.
Telfaz 11 Studios, a leading Saudi company, is known for its smart, exciting films. Along with “Star,” these films also include the groundbreaking satirical drama “Mandoub,” about a struggling man who becomes an illegal alcohol dealer, the biggest Arabic-language film at the Saudi box office this year. The latest TV series is “Saifi”, another social satire, directed by studio head Wael Abu Mansour and set against the backdrop of the late 1990s. It’s about a man who runs a cassette tape store that sells banned religious sermons. “Saify” is premiering at the Red Sea Film Festival where the agreement was announced.
Details of the projects in the partnership are being kept under wraps, along with the fact that they will “embody the richness of Saudi culture and will resonate deeply with audiences across the region,” according to a statement. The statement added that these projects “will also aim to nurture Saudi talent, stimulate creativity, and contribute to the growth of the film and television industries in the region.”
For MBC Studios, the studio arm of MBC Group, the largest and leading media company in the Middle East and North Africa, the partnership with Telfaz11 will allow MBC to tap into “a treasure trove of authentic Saudi stories.” said Hanaa Al-Omair, a Saudi director and creative director at the studios. She added: “I look forward to exploring bold ideas, nurturing emerging talent, and crafting productions that speak to the heart of Saudi culture, captivating and inspiring viewers beyond the Kingdom’s borders.”
Wael Abu Mansour commented: “Collaborating with MBC Studios allows us to expand our success, and combine our creative vision with their expertise to deliver even more compelling content.”
He added: “Together, we aim to elevate Saudi storytelling and create a dynamic slate of films and series that entertain and inspire audiences across the region.”