The upcoming Saudi feature film ‘Hobal,’ directed by acclaimed director Abdulaziz Alshlahei, will begin filming in NEOM this September. The film will make use of the striking Bajdah Studios and its expansive vistas to produce an epic cinematic experience.
Hobal revolves around a Saudi family living in the desert in the early 1990s. They are not permitted to leave the desert because of their grandfather’s rather strict instructions. Nevertheless, a chain of events shakes their foundations and forces them to choose between life and death. Among the all-Saudi cast members are Mohammed Altoyan and Mishal Almutairi.
Alshlahei’s third feature film follows the success of the Saudi period drama ‘The Tambour of Retribution’, which won two awards at the Cairo Film Festival and was selected as Saudi Arabia’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022.
The film will benefit from production support provided by NEOM
The film will benefit from production support provided by NEOM, which is assisting with crew, location scouting, logistics, and on-the-ground production expertise.
Alshlahei explained: “Since 2018, we have been thinking about unique locations to shoot our film. We decided on NEOM, and specifically Bajdah, where the captivating landscapes will be an influential and integral part of the narrative.
“Our director of photography will use anamorphic lenses to do justice to this extraordinary and majestic destination and set a beautiful atmosphere for the film. I’m excited about shooting and would like to take this opportunity to thank the NEOM Media Industries team for welcoming us and supporting the film.”
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