An independent feature film, Within Sand, has begun shooting in Neom, becoming the first Saudi film to be supported by the city of the future’s media industries sector.
Filming takes place on location until mid-April, with Neom Media Industries supporting talent development, with five Saudi interns attached to Within Sand for the duration of the production.
Within Sand, which is scheduled for release in November, is being produced by Riyadh-based Alsarid Films and will be distributed by Saudi-based CineWaves films.
The script has been selected and developed by Torino Lab, which was part of the Red Sea International Film Festival programs. The film will be submitted to prestigious film festivals worldwide and global film markets, a statement said.
Within Sand is written and directed by Saudi filmmaker Moe Alatawi and features a cast of rising Saudi talents, it added.
Within Sand is inspired by true events and lead actor Ra’ed Alshammari was recruited from the area in which the film takes place in the north of Saudi Arabia.
Alatawi said: “Choosing the locations was a huge step during the development phase of this film. Neom’s unique and untouched landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for Within Sand. Saudi Arabian history and culture possess an invaluable treasure hidden within the sands, and we explore its many interpretations through this film.”
Abdullah Al-Eyaf, CEO of the Saudi Film Commission, added: “Our initiatives seek to increase the quantity and quality of local film production while capitalising on existing economic and creative synergies in Saudi Arabia.
“The film commission is working to establish an effective content foundation and provide sales channels on a national, regional and worldwide scale. We are supporting the team of Within Sand to recruit and encourage Saudi talent to participate in the film business, as well as to enable and empower creative storytelling locally and globally.”
Wayne Borg, managing director of Media, Entertainment and Culture at Neom, said: “The Saudi film industry is making great strides in its development and growth. Neom is focused on supporting and catalysing the national industry to be part of the global industry as Neom becomes the true regional epicentre of content creation and the media industries.”
The film tells the story of Snam, a 23-year-old tobacco merchant, who is ambushed by thieves in the desert, leaving him with only a dagger. He encounters a lone wolf on his desperate search for a way home, while his wife, Halla, confronts her fears of raising her child alone.
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