'My Treat' will be directed by Karim Abouzeid, with a screenplay by Saudi-Palestinian writer Noha Saadi, based on an original story by Alamiya Filmed Entertainment chief Wesam Kattan.
Saudi media and film production company Alamiya Filmed Entertainment (AFE) has partnered with Front Row Productions, the joint venture production arm of Front Row Filmed Entertainment and MENA Sony distributor Empire Entertainment, to produce the road-trip comedy feature My Treat (Mahmool Makfool). The film, set to shoot this September, will be filmed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Istanbul, Turkey, marking the first time a Saudi feature film has been shot in Turkey. It is scheduled for release in cinemas across the Middle East next year, representing a notable advancement for the region’s film industry.
According to The Economist, Turkey is the third-largest exporter of television content worldwide, following the US and Britain. Turkish content is immensely popular in the Arabic-speaking region, due to the shared historical and cultural ties. These cultural connections, including similarities in religion and social justice perspectives, contribute to the popularity of Turkish dramas in the Middle East.
My Treat follows the journey of three ardent Turkish soap opera fans—Abu-Laban, Mohsen and Wegdan—as they travel from Riyadh to Istanbul. Their dream of meeting their favourite Turkish actor takes a dramatic turn when they are mistakenly accused of kidnapping the very star they adore, leading them into a real-life scenario akin to a Turkish soap opera.
Directed by Egyptian filmmaker Karim Abouzeid, known for works such as 11.11, Wadi Al Jinn and VIU’s Zodiac, the film features a screenplay by Saudi-Palestinian writer Noha Saadi and an original story by Wesam Kattan. The cast includes Saudi stars Khairiyah Abu Laban (AlHamour, Slave, From the Ashes), Nermin Mohsen (The Blue Whale, Haneen, Abu Janti 1) and Egyptian actress Engy Wegdan (H Dabor, Teleat Rohi, Saheb El Saada).
AFE and FRP’s collaboration on this project marks the beginning of a new partnership between the two companies. The producers are currently in talks with a top-tier actor to play the Turkish heartthrob central to the story, with an official announcement expected soon.
Speaking about the film, Wesam Kattan, Executive Producer and CEO of AFE, said: “This film truly embodies AFE’s vision and strategy. Almost three years in the making, the project represents a collaborative effort where our commitment to process, data, and talent has come to life. The themes of celebrity fandom, friendship, and loyalty are at the heart of this story, reflecting the essence of human connections in the world of fame. We are excited to partner with Front Row Productions and look forward to what their wide experience will add to the project. This film is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit of everyone involved.”
In a joint statement, Front Row Productions CEOs Gianluca Chakra and Mario Junior Haddad added: “The Saudi cinema industry has been experiencing significant growth, as evidenced by the successes of films like Sattar, Mandoob, Shabab El Bomb and Hammour, which have frequently outperformed Western studio blockbusters. Alongside this trend, Turkish dramas have already garnered a strong following in the Arab world. A potential strategy for uniting Arab audiences and achieving even greater success could involve blending elements of Saudi and Arab cinema with the popular Turkish style, creating an intriguing formula that respects and incorporates the cultural nuances of all three regions. This approach has the potential to resonate with diverse audiences and bridge cultural gaps, offering a fresh and engaging viewing experience for viewers in the Middle East and beyond.”
