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Norah

Norah

The first Saudi film shot entirely in AlUla, Norah is a poignant drama set in the 1990s, when artistic expression was banned. Director Tawfik Alzaidi chose AlUla for its striking rock formations and vast deserts, which mirror the film’s themes of isolation and self-discovery. Supported by Film AlUla’s logistics and infrastructure, the production featured an all-Saudi cast and crew, showcasing local talent.

Norah made history as the first Saudi film to screen at Cannes, earning a "Special Mention" and solidifying AlUla as a key location for the Kingdom’s growing film industry. Produced by Black Sugar Pictures and Nebras Films, the film also received funding from the Saudi Film Commission’s Daw Film Competition, highlighting its cultural significance.

Behind the camera

Production companies:

Black Sugar pictures
Mile Studios

Nebras Films

Directors:

Bandar Alabdulsalam
Najah Alhajjar

Tawfik Alzaidi

Sharif Majali

R. Paul Miller

Producers:

Gerard Butler
Navid Negahban
Ali Fazal
Bahador Foladi
Nina Toussaint-White

Norah film shot

Steve Backshall; British explorer

“The experience for me was just incredible, I’d shot in various places throughout my career, and I have to say what makes Saudi such a unique experience was everyone that I worked with there.”