YASIR AL YASIRI’S HOTLY ANTICIPATED NEW SAUDI FANTASY ROMANCE

HWJN WILL OPEN RSIFF ON 30 NOVEMBER

AGC International, the international sales and distribution arm of Stuart Ford’s fast-growing independent content studio AGC Studios, has picked up world rights from Image Nation Abu Dhabi, MBC STUDIOS and VOX Studios on HWJN, and O3 Medya and L’Abidine’s Double A Productions on TO MY SON, it was announced today by AGC Studios Chairman and CEO Ford.

The deals mark another significant step in AGC Studios’ ongoing commitment to bringing theatrical features from the MENA region to world audiences.  AGC has partnered with Image Nation Abu Dhabi on Arabic blockbusters Al Kameen and Voy! Voy! Voy! (with VOX), Egypt’s boxoffice juggernaut and selection for Academy Award consideration for Best International Feature.  AGC is also partnered with MBC STUDIOS to handle world rights on their upcoming Arabian historical epic Desert Warrior directed by Rupert Wyatt starring Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart and Academy Award winner Sir Ben Kingsley.

HWJN is produced by Image Nation Abu Dhabi, MBC STUDIOS, and VOX Studios, three of the region’s most significant entities in the content and entertainment sector. Adapted from the best-selling Young Adult fantasy novel by Ibraheem Abbas, HWJN combines Arabian folklore elements of fantasy, blended with modern themes. Set in modern-day Jeddah, HWJN follows the story of a kind-hearted jinn as he discovers the truth about his royal lineage. HWJN (Baraa Alem) sets off on an epic journey to reclaim his birthright, and while battling ancient evils to maintain the harmonious balance between his world and ours, falls in love with Sawsan (Nour Alkhadra), a young medical student. The film was co-written by Yasir Al Yasiri, Ibraheem Abbas, Sarah Taibah, and Hussam Alhulwah, executive produced by Majid Al Ansari (Zinzana) and Saad Al Albutaily (Cherry), and produced by Yasiri’s production company, Axx productions. The book was published by Yatakhayaloon, which is founded by Yasser Bahjatt and Ibraheem Abbas.

TO MY SON tells the story of a seemingly united family thrown into turmoil by the sudden return of their son, whom they haven’t seen for 12 years. Produced by O3 Medya and L’Abidine’s Double A Productions, the film stars L’Abidine in the lead role, alongside Saudi artists Ibrahim Al Hassaoui, Summer Shesha, Ida Alkusay, Khairia Nazmi, and Sarah Alyafei. It also features Jordanian actor Adam Abu Sakha, renowned British actress Emilia Fox, and talented Lebanese newcomer Adam Zahr. Saner Ayar, Irmak Yazim, and Tolga Ismen are Executive Producers.

TO MY SON marks L’Abidine’s second venture into directing, following his 2021 film Ghodwa. which won the FIPRESCI Award for Best Film when it premiered at the 2021 Cairo International Film Festival. L’Abidine is renowned for his diverse and extensive film career, which includes roles in British, American, and French productions such as Children of Men, Centurion, and The Eddy. In the Arab world, he has garnered numerous awards for his work, notably Best Actor for his performances in the Egyptian series Eugenie Nights and Halawat Al Dounia. His most recent role was in the highly successful series Aroos Beirut, further solidifying his critical and popular acclaim across the region.

HWJN’s Yasir Al Yasiri is an Iraqi filmmaker. His first feature-length film, SHABAB SHEYAB (2018) received glowing reviews from both audiences and film critics. It had its world premiere at the Palm Springs International Film Festival and continued to tour the international festival circuit. He followed it up with the box-office blockbuster 122 (2019).