Saudi Rom-Com ‘A Matter of Life and Death,’ Starring and Written by Sarah Taibah, Unveiled at Jeddah Fest

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As a passionate movie enthusiast with a soft spot for unique and heartfelt stories, I can hardly contain my excitement about the upcoming Saudi rom-com “A Matter of Life and Death.” Having had the privilege to immerse myself in the diverse and captivating world of Middle Eastern cinema, I’ve come to appreciate the intricate narratives woven by talented filmmakers like Sarah Taibah and Anas Ba-Tahaf.

Film Clinic, Front Row Productions, Arabia Pictures Group, and Rotana Studios have collaborated to create the quirky Saudi romantic comedy titled “A Matter of Life and Death“. The screenplay for this film was penned by Sarah Taibah, who wrote last year’s Red Sea International Film Festival opener, “Hwjn” and “Jameel Jeddan“. Directorial responsibilities have been entrusted to Anas Ba-Tahaf, known for his work on “Fay’s Palette” and “Jameel Jeddan“.

Featuring Taibah (Mandoob, Jameel Jeddan) and Yaqoub Alfarhan (Norah, Rashash, and soon to be seen in AlGhaid), the movie tells an unusual story about Hayat, a young woman who believes herself to be cursed, and Yousef, a timid heart surgeon struggling with a mysteriously slow heartbeat. As described in a summary, their lives intertwine in the most unexpected manner: she’s yearning for an end, while he battles even more ominous thoughts.

The creatives assure an exciting ride exploring themes of love, fate, and unexpected bonds born from life’s most unpredictable moments, as seen through the charming and unusual perspectives of our protagonists.

Principal photography is set to begin in Jeddah in January 2025.

Moh Hefzy, producer at Film Clinic, expressed great enthusiasm as they revealed an extraordinary Saudi story. ‘Sarah and Anas have skillfully crafted a narrative that not only grips us but also resonates deeply by faithfully depicting the depth of human relationships and the charming idiosyncrasies of life while delving into universal struggles,’ said Hefzy.

Gianluca Chakra from Front Row expressed his excitement about collaborating once more with Moh Hefzy, alongside Arabia Pictures Group and Rotana Studios. This alliance underscores the importance of partnerships in boosting the film production industry not just in Saudi Arabia, but also across the region. Through this project, we aim to bring fresh viewpoints to our films, thereby enhancing the overall film landscape.

Previously, Front Row and Film Clinic joined forces in producing Netflix’s first regional original series, “Perfect Strangers“. Similarly, Arabia Pictures Group and Film Clinic have teamed up to create the drama “Flight 404“, which features Mona Zaki and Mohamed Farrag.

Front Row Filmed Entertainment is responsible for managing the distribution rights across the Middle East and North African (MENA) territory, along with worldwide sales.

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2024-12-07 16:24