The upcoming projects will bring together a band of unconventional storytellers who are passionate about combining narratives drawn from Arab culture with elements of comedy and humanity.
Netflix has signed a partnership with Saudi Arabian production and financing group Telfaz11 to produce eight new films, with the first project coming to life in late 2021.
This partnership comes after the success of Telfaz11 and Netflix’s award-winning film collection collaboration, Six Windows in the Desert. In its wake, Netflix is investing in Telfaz11 to build stories that reflect the region’s cinematic culture on screen.
The partnership entails the production of a mixed range of eight new films, developed and produced by Telfaz11 and aiming for broad appeal across both Arab and global audiences.
The upcoming projects will bring together a band of unconventional storytellers who are passionate about combining narratives drawn from Arab culture with elements of comedy and humanity.
Founded by Alaa Yousef Fadan, Ali Al Kalthami, and Ibrahim Al Khairallah, Telfaz11 aims to meet Saudi Arabia’s and the wider region’s strong appetite for creative expression. Ibrahim Khairallah was among the four comedians representing the Arab world in Netflix’s Comedians of the World – a first of its kind global production bringing together 47 comedians from 13 regions in an unprecedented stand-up comedy event series. Ali Kalthami’s creative career spans nine years – having written, directed, and produced several films, including Wasati, which is streaming on Netflix globally as part of the Six Windows in the Desert collection.
Commenting on the partnership, Nuha El Tayeb, Director, Content Acquisitions, MENAT at Netflix said: “Great stories can come from anywhere and be loved everywhere. 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, humour and art.”
Telfaz11 CEO and co-founder Alaa Fadan remarked: “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 195m Netflix members worldwide.
