"FILM ALULA UNVEILS 'SIWAR':
A VENTURE WITH HAKAWAITI ENTERTAINMENT, DIRECTED BY SAUDI FILMMAKER OSAMA ALKHURAYJI AND PRODUCED BY OMAR SAID” New partnership highlights Film AlUla’s commitment to empowering homegrown creative talent and the local filmmaking ecosystem
Film AlUla, the Royal Commission for AlUla’s film agency, today announced that “Siwar”, the debut feature-length film by award-winning Saudi director and producer Osama Alkhurayji, will be filmed in AlUla. The announcement is closely aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and foster cultural development, with Film AlUla providing rebates and incentives to promote and enable homegrown filmmakers.
“Siwar” is a heart-rending narrative of two families entangled in a fateful revelation about their newborns. The film, spanning three chapters, delves into the lives of Yaner, a Turkish father, and Hamad, a Saudi father, as they navigate societal challenges and personal upheavals. This storytelling approach reflects Alkhurayji's unique ability to craft engaging narratives that resonate with audiences on multiple levels.
In addition to his role as the director of “Siwar”, Alkhurayji is the CEO of Hakawati Entertainment. He began his filmmaking journey in 2007, earning local and international recognition for his work. A prolific content producer, he has worked with several regional and international TV networks, theatres, distributors, and streaming platforms such as Netflix, Shahid and SBA. Alkhurayji’s past achievements include influential projects such as co-directing the award-winning 2018 film “Joud" and collaborations in producing content with prominent international networks and platforms.
“Siwar” is produced by Omar Said, whose credits span work across Los Angeles, Vietnam, Mexico, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. Said has also produced for his close associate Tony Kaye, the iconic film director of “American History X”. Regionally, Said’s work includes the TV mini-series “Ureem”, “The Judgement”, and most recently Netflix’s “Naga”.
“Siwar” comes close on the heels of two other high-profile Saudi productions to be shot in AlUla – Netflix drama “The Matchmaker” and Saudi filmmaker Tawfik Alzaidi’s debut feature, “Norah”, which premiered at the Red Sea International Film Festival this year. “Norah” is the first local feature film to be shot in AlUla and features an all-Saudi cast and over 40% Saudi crew. The expanding roster of Saudi productions reinforces Film AlUla’s ambition to expand the opportunities and reach available to homegrown creators.
Charlene Deleon-Jones, Executive Director of Film AlUla, said: “Over the past three years, Film AlUla has steadily and sustainably built a film economy that can host high-quality film production. It is a privilege and of primary importance to support homegrown talent. AlUla with its history of storytelling is a perfect place to platform new talent. We are thrilled to be supporting Osama Alkhurayji for his film ‘Siwar’.”
Producer Omar Said stated: "Since 2016, I've been immersed in Saudi Arabia's thriving film industry, watching it flourish daily. It's truly wonderful. I'm thrilled about sharing our upcoming story – the excitement to captivate audiences is beyond words.”
"Siwar" is poised to make a profound impact at both national and international levels, reflecting the unique stories and cultural richness of the region. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project,” Saudi director and producer Osama Alkhurayji added.
Film AlUla’s use of rebates and incentives will provide opportunities for a new generation of storytellers and filmmakers, creating bridges that enable shared stories and learnings. Film AlUla is known for its inclusive approach to developing the local industry, and this partnership will play a role in furthering a vibrant film industry in the region.
It is accelerating industry growth by providing funds for fledgling Saudi and regional filmmakers, skills training hosted by international experts from Creative Media Skills from London’s Pinewood Studios, as well as comprehensive mentoring programmes like AlUla Creates, which is designed to nurture creativity and empower future generations in film, the arts and fashion. AlUla Creates is supported by an esteemed group of talent, including fashion icons Eva Herzigova and Helena Christensen, Saudi trailblazers Haifaa Al Mansour and Mila Al Zahrani, and award-winning outfit Vertigo Films.
In addition to hosting productions, Film AlUla is bolstering its on-ground infrastructure, with phase one of a full-service world-class production facility nearing completion. The facility includes a 30,000-square-foot soundstage, backlot, production support buildings, workshops, warehouses, recording studio, training and rehearsal space, cafeteria, event space and an iconic administration building. The soundstage will be 14 minutes from the Film AlUla Residence, the purpose-built crew quarters with 300 high-quality, fully furnished accommodation units, film-friendly office space for short and long-term stays and a range of high-end and mid-range accommodation options.
“Siwar” is a heart-rending narrative of two families entangled in a fateful revelation about their newborns. The film, spanning three chapters, delves into the lives of Yaner, a Turkish father, and Hamad, a Saudi father, as they navigate societal challenges and personal upheavals. This storytelling approach reflects Alkhurayji's unique ability to craft engaging narratives that resonate with audiences on multiple levels.
In addition to his role as the director of “Siwar”, Alkhurayji is the CEO of Hakawati Entertainment. He began his filmmaking journey in 2007, earning local and international recognition for his work. A prolific content producer, he has worked with several regional and international TV networks, theatres, distributors, and streaming platforms such as Netflix, Shahid and SBA. Alkhurayji’s past achievements include influential projects such as co-directing the award-winning 2018 film “Joud" and collaborations in producing content with prominent international networks and platforms.
“Siwar” is produced by Omar Said, whose credits span work across Los Angeles, Vietnam, Mexico, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. Said has also produced for his close associate Tony Kaye, the iconic film director of “American History X”. Regionally, Said’s work includes the TV mini-series “Ureem”, “The Judgement”, and most recently Netflix’s “Naga”.
“Siwar” comes close on the heels of two other high-profile Saudi productions to be shot in AlUla – Netflix drama “The Matchmaker” and Saudi filmmaker Tawfik Alzaidi’s debut feature, “Norah”, which premiered at the Red Sea International Film Festival this year. “Norah” is the first local feature film to be shot in AlUla and features an all-Saudi cast and over 40% Saudi crew. The expanding roster of Saudi productions reinforces Film AlUla’s ambition to expand the opportunities and reach available to homegrown creators.
Charlene Deleon-Jones, Executive Director of Film AlUla, said: “Over the past three years, Film AlUla has steadily and sustainably built a film economy that can host high-quality film production. It is a privilege and of primary importance to support homegrown talent. AlUla with its history of storytelling is a perfect place to platform new talent. We are thrilled to be supporting Osama Alkhurayji for his film ‘Siwar’.”
Producer Omar Said stated: "Since 2016, I've been immersed in Saudi Arabia's thriving film industry, watching it flourish daily. It's truly wonderful. I'm thrilled about sharing our upcoming story – the excitement to captivate audiences is beyond words.”
"Siwar" is poised to make a profound impact at both national and international levels, reflecting the unique stories and cultural richness of the region. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project,” Saudi director and producer Osama Alkhurayji added.
Film AlUla’s use of rebates and incentives will provide opportunities for a new generation of storytellers and filmmakers, creating bridges that enable shared stories and learnings. Film AlUla is known for its inclusive approach to developing the local industry, and this partnership will play a role in furthering a vibrant film industry in the region.
It is accelerating industry growth by providing funds for fledgling Saudi and regional filmmakers, skills training hosted by international experts from Creative Media Skills from London’s Pinewood Studios, as well as comprehensive mentoring programmes like AlUla Creates, which is designed to nurture creativity and empower future generations in film, the arts and fashion. AlUla Creates is supported by an esteemed group of talent, including fashion icons Eva Herzigova and Helena Christensen, Saudi trailblazers Haifaa Al Mansour and Mila Al Zahrani, and award-winning outfit Vertigo Films.
In addition to hosting productions, Film AlUla is bolstering its on-ground infrastructure, with phase one of a full-service world-class production facility nearing completion. The facility includes a 30,000-square-foot soundstage, backlot, production support buildings, workshops, warehouses, recording studio, training and rehearsal space, cafeteria, event space and an iconic administration building. The soundstage will be 14 minutes from the Film AlUla Residence, the purpose-built crew quarters with 300 high-quality, fully furnished accommodation units, film-friendly office space for short and long-term stays and a range of high-end and mid-range accommodation options.