Saudi powerhouse MBC Studios has inked a partnership deal with best-selling Saudi author Osamah Almuslim under which his novel “Jahim Al-Abirin” (“Travellers’ Hell”) will be made into a high-end horror film for the theatrical market helmed by rising director Hana Al-Omair.
Hana Al Omair, who directed Netflix’s first Saudi original series “Whispers,” joined MBC earlier this year as creative director at the studios.
MBC, which is the Middle East’s largest broadcaster, has previously adapted works by Almuslim, most notably the female empowerment fantasy series “Rise of The Witches,” being touted as the biggest-budget Saudi Arabian TV series to date.
“I am absolutely delighted to collaborate with Osamah Almuslim, whose broad popularity across the Arab world presents both an exciting opportunity and a challenge,” said Al-Omair in a statement.
“His unique style of storytelling interweaves suspense, mystery, horror, mythical elements, and local traditions. Through this exciting new endeavour, I hope to experiment with these narrative forms and open new horizons in the Saudi cinematic landscape,” she added.
The ambitious “Traveller’s Hell” feature is slated to start production in the first half of 2025, with filming taking place in an undislosed Saudi location. Almuslim will write the screenplay.
“On a desolate mountain road known as the hunting ground for a notorious serial killer, a young woman picks up a stranded motorist,” says the provided synopsis. “What begins as a simple act of kindness soon spirals into a nightmare, as their journey becomes a terrifying fight for survival, with dark secrets and danger lurking at every turn.”
Casting for “Traveller’s Hell” has not yet been announced.
The partnership between MBC Studios and Almuslim – who has published more than locally popular 30 books since his debut novel “Khof” (“Fear”) was released in 2015 and immediately became a bestseller – is part of “a broader agreement to adapt more of his novels into both television and film,” according to the statement.
Commented Almuslim: “I am delighted about this partnership with MBC Group, which will mark the start of a series of projects exploring the extensive world I have built over the past decade.”
“My work has garnered a large readership across the Arab world and it’s exciting that they will soon be able to see their favourite stories come alive on screen,” he added.
(Pictured above: Hana Al-Omair, Osamah Almuslim)
English (US) ·