PRODUCTION
MBC StudiosMBC Group has launched production on fantasy-adventure content through, its in-house premium content production arm. “Rise of the Witches”The largest series ever produced with a Saudi cast and the one that has the highest budget for special effects in a Saudi production. The series was supported by NEOM, the series is being filmed on three purpose-built studio sets, including Saudi Arabia’s biggest purpose-built backlots to date.
Based on the most-sold Saudi mythology books Osamah Almuslim, the series, set in ancient Arabia, tells the story of an epic war between two rival witch covens, led by Afsaar and Da’ja’a.
Both witches grew up in a world that was dominated by male magicians, who wanted to stop women from having access to magic powers. They learned the arts secretly and then formed their own groups to gain power and protection.
This predominantly Saudi cast is headed by Ida AlKusayAnd Sumaya Rida. Directed by Declan O’DwyerAnd Craig PicklesProduction is led by Dominic Barlow, with MBC Group’s Zeinab Abu Alsamh as executive producer.
Alsamh said: “ ‘Rise of the Witches’ is a true homegrown production, and features recognizable and new faces, with talent both in front of and behind the cameras coming from our very own MBC Academy and MBC Talent hubs. This series will no doubt make household names of the cast — this outstanding fantasy-adventure is not one to be missed.”
The Shahid Original ten-part series will stream on ShahidLater in the year
Sky
PROP
The new-look Iron ThroneYou can watch the movie “The Killing” on HBO/Sky “Game of Thrones”Prequel “House of the Dragon,”The U.K. tour began with the Tower of London. The Iron Throne is the ultimate symbol of conquest, forged from the blades of Aegon Targaryen’s defeated foes after he conquered Westeros. The throne measures 12 feet by 10ft and is dressed in Targaryen banners. It will travel to other locations in London. Cardiff. Edinburgh until August.
The eagerly awaited prequel premieres on HBO on August 21 and Sky and streaming services Now starting on Aug 22. It will have its physical U.K. premiere at London’s Leicester Square next week.
Jamie East, co-host of Sky Atlantic’s “Thronecast”And “House of the Dragon Premiere Special,” said: “Set 200 years before the events of ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘House of the Dragon’ will transport fans to Westeros at the height of Targaryen rule. We’ll discover an Iron Throne of far greater scale and decadence, made from the warped and melted swords of the Targaryen’s defeated enemies, symbolic of the Targaryen’s huge power and influence at this time.”
RELEASE
Manish Mundra, India’s most prolific indie producer Drishyam FilmsHas been awarded top titles at most of the major festivals, such as Cannes and Busan. He made his directorial debut in a feature-length film. “Siya.”Starring Pooja PandeyAnd Vineet Kumar SinghThe film is about a girl from a small town who, despite all obstacles, decides that she will fight oppressive patriarchy. She sets off to find justice.
Mundra said: “ ‘Siya’ sheds light on the hypocrisy behind the crimes countless women endure. The numbers of these crimes are staggering and only seem to be growing with every passing day. We hope to empower women to stand up and speak out with this film. Drishyam Films has always backed cinema that has a notable talking point and sends a message to film goers and ‘Siya’ too will follow suit. We hope that the audience will understand the relevance of our film and will speak out on the same.”
“Siya”On September 16, the theatrical release will be made in India.
Drishyam Films