Saudi Arabia’s Muvi Studios Locks Deals at Saudi Confex Including on Hotly Anticipated Satire About ‘Chaotic World’ of Local Stardom (EXCLUSIVE)

As a lover of cinema and a firm believer in the power of storytelling, I am absolutely captivated by the journey of Abdulaziz Almuzaini, a dual U.S.-Saudi citizen who is shaking up the Saudi film industry with his unique blend of humor and social commentary. His work, such as “Masameer,” often compared to “South Park,” and the Netflix hit “Ras B Ras” (Head to Head), is not just entertaining but also thought-provoking, sparking conversations that are vital for societal growth.


At the current Saudi Film Confex conference, Muvi Studios – the production branch of Saudi Arabia’s top exhibition chain – has revealed several agreements. Among these deals is a collaboration with local production company Sirb Production on the much-anticipated social satire “Lail Nahar,” directed by renowned Saudi filmmaker Abdulaziz Almuzaini.

Almuzaini, who holds citizenship in both the United States and Saudi Arabia, serves as director and producer for the well-known Saudi TV series and movie titled “Masameer,” which is frequently likened to the American show “South Park.” He is also the mastermind behind the successful Netflix Original film from Saudi Arabia, known as “Ras B Ras” or “Head to Head.

Titled “Lail Nahar,” a movie Muvi will debut in Saudi cinemas this December, is characterized in promotional literature as a comedy that investigates the disparate lifestyles of two musical figures grappling with fame and societal expectations within Saudi Arabia. The film, which combines humor and social commentary, delves into the tumultuous realm of celebrity and the absurdities of the [Saudi] entertainment industry according to the given summary.

Almuzaini expressed excitement about collaborating with Muvi Studios on the film ‘Lail Nahar.’ This innovative production is expected to ignite discussions and establish a groundbreaking benchmark for Saudi cinema, hitting theaters this December.

Adon Quinn, CEO of Muvi Cinemas, commented: “This film embodies the daring, progressive mindset we are dedicated to introducing within the Saudi film industry.” He further explained, “It’s not just a piece of entertainment, it’s a testament to the power and ingenuity of local cinema.

Currently, the robustness of homegrown productions is what sets the Saudi theatrical market apart, as demonstrated by director Ali Kalthami’s recent work “Mandoob.” This black comedy revolving around a man grappling with financial struggles who turns to bootlegging alcohol has generated over $7 million in Saudi since its local premiere in December last year.

At the October 9-12 Saudi Film Conference industry event held in Riyadh, Muvi also signed several other agreements. One of these was a co-production deal with Black Light Productions from Saudi Arabia for an as-yet-unnamed comedy featuring Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj, who starred in the popular Saudi wrestling comedy “Sattar.” Released in 2023, “Sattar” earned over $10 million at the local box office and holds the record for highest grossing local title since the lifting of Saudi Arabia’s cinema ban in 2018.

Muvi has additionally secured a three-film agreement with Saudi film producer and director Ayman Khoja, renowned for the recent successful low-budget comedy “Il Signore.” This movie centers around a Saudi engineer who devises a plan to pose as an Italian expert in order to secure a prestigious position within a major Saudi corporation.

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2024-10-11 18:47