Muvi Studios, the production arm of Saudi Arabia’s leading exhibition chain, have announced a slew of deals during the ongoing Saudi Film Confex confab, including a partnership with local label Sirb Production on hotly anticipated social satire “Lail Nahar,” directed by local hitmaker Abdulaziz Almuzaini.
Almuzaini, who is a dual U.S.-Saudi citizen, is the director/producer behind popular Saudi TV series and movie “Masameer,” that is often described as a Saudi version of “South Park,” and smash hit Netflix Saudi original film “Ras B Ras” (“Head to Head”).
“Lail Nahar” – which Muvi plans to release in Saudi cinemas in December – is described in promotional materials as a comedy that explores “the contrasting lives of two musical personalities navigating fame and society” in Saudi Arabia. “With its unique blend of humor and commentary, the film delves into the chaotic world of stardom and the absurdities of the [Saudi] entertainment industry,” says the provided synopsis.
“We are thrilled to partner with Muvi Studios to deliver ‘Lail Nahar,’ a fresh, daring vision that will spark conversations and set a new standard for Saudi films in cinemas this December,” Almuzaini said in a statement.
Commented Muvi Cinemas CEO Adon Quinn:”This film represents the bold, forward-thinking approach we are committed to bringing to the Saudi film industry.” “It’s not just a movie,” he added, “It’s a statement about the strength and creativity of local cinema.”
The strength of local product is what makes the Saudi theatrical market stand out at the moment, as recently proved by director Ali Kalthami’s “Mandoob.” A black comedy about a struggling man who becomes a bootleg alcohol smuggler, “Mandoob” has scored more that $7 million in Saudi since its local release last December.
Other deals inked by Muvi at the Oct 9-12 Saudi Film Confex industry event in Ryadh include a co-production agreement with Saudi’s Black Light productions on a still-untitled comedy toplining Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj, the star of Saudi Saudi wrestling comedy “Sattar.” In 2023, “Sattar” scored more than $10 million at the home box office becoming the kingdom’s highest grossing local title since Saudi Arabia lifted its ban on cinema in 2018.
Muvi has also inked a three-picture deal with Saudi film producer and director Ayman Khoja who is known for recent well-received low-budget comedy “Il Signore” about a Saudi engineer who pretends to be an Italian expert in a ploy to get a high-powered job work at a big Saudi company.
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