Renowned British director Simon West, known for his work on blockbusters like “Con Air” and “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” is set to take the helm of an ambitious new project in the heart of Saudi Arabia. The epic film titled “Antara” is set against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia and promises to be a cinematic masterpiece.
“Antara” is an English-language blockbuster that draws inspiration from Arab history. The film delves into the life of Antara ibn Shaddad, a remarkable slave warrior who rose to legendary status in the sixth century. Antara’s journey from captivity to becoming a revered knight and a celebrated Bedouin poet captivated the hearts and minds of the people in the region.
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The announcement of “Antara” was made during the prestigious Venice Film Festival, where Saudi Arabia has been making a significant mark in the film industry. The film is a co-production between Irish entrepreneur and producer Alexander Amartei and British producer Stuart Sutherland, CEO of Celtic Films Entertainment. Sutherland, known for his work on “Killing Eve” and the Saudi-set “Born a King,” recently co-produced the action thriller “Kandahar,” starring Gerard Butler, which was also filmed in Saudi Arabia.
While the budget for “Antara” remains undisclosed, it is expected to be substantial. Production is scheduled to commence in early 2024, with a 12-week filming schedule. The film will benefit from Neom’s generous 40%+ cash rebate for productions and will have access to state-of-the-art soundstages, accommodation facilities, local talent, and skilled crews. Casting details for “Antara” are being kept under wraps.
The production will be centered at Neom’s cutting-edge Bajdah Studios, situated amidst breathtaking natural landscapes, including canyons, deserts, and pristine Red Sea coastlines. Neom, located in the Tabuk province, is rapidly developing into a futuristic city.
Director Simon West expressed his enthusiasm for bringing Antara ibn Shaddad’s story to the big screen, describing it as a unique opportunity to continue the legend of this extraordinary historical figure. West noted that Antara’s life is a lesser-known true story that demonstrates the adage that “fact can be so much stranger than fiction.” He also expressed his delight at filming in the homeland of Saudi’s Banu Abs tribe, emphasizing the commitment to authenticity and contributing to the region’s emerging film industry.
Wayne Borg, Managing Director of Media Industries, Entertainment, and Culture at Neom, highlighted the significance of international productions like “Antara” in bolstering the confidence of film producers in Neom and solidifying its position as a gateway to the MENA region for the media industry. He stressed that such films create valuable opportunities for Saudi youth to gain work experience and contribute to the growth of the local workforce.
Producer Alexander Amartei drew a parallel between “Antara” and “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon,” envisioning the film as a cultural extravaganza that will revolutionize the region’s cinematic landscape and captivate audiences worldwide with its artistic sophistication.
Neom has increasingly become a hotspot for international film projects over the past 18 months, hosting productions like Rupert Wyatt’s $150 million “Desert Warrior” and the Bollywood blockbuster “Dunki.” The MBC soap “Exceptional” is also set to begin filming at Neom in September, further establishing the region as a vibrant hub for the entertainment industry.