Netflix signs deal with Saudi movie producers for eight new films

Saudi Arabia - Netflix has struck a partnership deal with Saudi Arabian production and financing group Telfaz11 to produce eight new films. The first project is expected in late 2021.

The agreement comes after the success of a collaboration between Telfaz11 and Netflix on this year’s award-winning “Six Windows in the Desert,” a collection of short films set in the Kingdom. The new deal will produce more films that reflect the region’s rich, cinematic culture, while aiming for broad appeal among Arab and international audiences.

The move further strengthens Netflix’s investment in the region. Just two months ago, the company agreed a five-year exclusive partnership with Saudi Arabian animation studio Myrkott.

“Great stories can come from anywhere and be loved everywhere,” said Nuha El-Tayeb, Netflix’s director of content acquisitions, MENAT.

“We are expanding our library of Saudi content and showcasing the beauty of Saudi storytelling by joining forces with its creators to produce authentic and intriguing stories that will resonate with both Arab and global audiences. We hope that Telfaz’s work will offer Netflix members around the world a chance to experience Saudi culture, humor and art.”

Telfaz11 was founded by Alaa Yousef Fadan, Ali Al-Kalthami and Ibrahim Al-Khairallah to feed a growing appetite for creative expression in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

Al-Khairallah was one of four comedians who represented the Arab world in Netflix’s “Comedians of the World,” a first-of-its-kind global production that brought together 47 comics from 13 regions in an unprecedented stand-up comedy event series.

Al-Kalthami’s creative career spans nine years, during which he has written, directed and produced a number films, including “Wasati,” which is streaming on Netflix globally as part of the “Six Windows in the Desert” collection.

Telfaz11 CEO Fadan said: “We are thrilled to partner with Netflix in an important validation of both our success at Telfaz11 and the region’s burgeoning production ecosystem.

“These eight films will showcase for global audiences the incredible culture, locations and talent that exists within both our region and the Telfaz11 filmmaker network.”

The films will be available to about 195 million Netflix subscriber worldwide.