Exciting news awaits the cinema enthusiasts as acclaimed director Abdulaziz Alshlahei gears up to shoot his upcoming Saudi feature film, "Hobal," in the enchanting landscapes of NEOM, located in the northwest of Saudi Arabia. The picturesque Bajdah Studios will serve as the perfect backdrop for this epic cinematic experience, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
"Hobal" tells a compelling story of a Saudi family living in isolation amidst the vast desert in the early 1990s. Bound by their grandfather's strict instructions, they find themselves unable to leave their desert abode. However, a series of events unravels, challenging their way of life and pitting them in a struggle between life and death. The film boasts an all-Saudi cast, with Mohammed Altoyan and Mishal Almutairi in prominent roles.
This exciting project marks Abdulaziz Alshlahei's third feature film, following the resounding success of the Saudi period drama, "The Tambour of Retribution." Notably, the latter film received two awards at the Cairo Film Festival and was chosen as the Saudi Arabian entry for Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022.
Saudi Director Abdulaziz Alshlahei
Behind the compelling screenplay of "Hobal" is Mufarrej Al-Majfel, one of the winners and fund recipients of the Saudi Film Commission's Daw Film Competition. This initiative, launched in September 2019 by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture, aims to support Saudi film production and nurture the next generation of filmmakers through a sustainable funding program.
The production of "Hobal" has also received crucial support from NEOM, which has been providing invaluable assistance in crew coordination, location scouting, logistics, and on-the-ground production expertise. Bajdah Studios' strategic location offers filmmakers the unique opportunity to shoot amidst NEOM's breathtaking landscapes while benefiting from state-of-the-art sound stages, complete with essential facilities like makeup rooms, green rooms, and production offices.
Elated about the filming prospect, Alshlahei shares his vision, "Since 2018, we have been pondering unique locations for our film. We finally chose NEOM, specifically Bajdah, where the captivating landscapes will play a significant role in our narrative. Our director of photography will use anamorphic lenses to do justice to this extraordinary and majestic destination, creating a beautiful atmosphere for the film. I am eager to begin shooting and express my gratitude to the NEOM Media Industries team for their warm welcome and support."
Wayne Borg, the managing director of media industries, entertainment, and culture at NEOM, also expresses delight in being the chosen location for "Hobal." He emphasizes the importance of supporting visionary filmmakers like Abdulaziz Alshlahei and cultivating an environment where authentic regional stories can thrive and transcend borders. NEOM has already provided the setting for over 30 local film and television projects, encompassing documentary and fiction genres, further solidifying its position as a regional industry gateway.
