'All but Divorced' is currently available on Amazon Prime and holds the top spot in Egypt, while 'Forgetfulness' is set to release on the same platform soon.
Rise Studios, a prominent entertainment company focused on investing in content from MENA markets, has announced the successful completion of two Arabic series. All but Divorced is a direct-to-Arabic adaptation of a Japanese format, while Forgetfulness stands as an original home-grown series. Both productions have been brought to fruition through Rise Studios’ collaboration with Blue-Bee Productions, a pan-Arab TV and film production company. All but Divorced is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, with Forgetfulness set to release soon on the same platform.
Produced by industry veteran Mohamed Mashish, renowned for his work on projects like Grand Hotel, Wannous, and Haza Al Masaa, both series highlight the talents of acclaimed regional figures such as screenwriter Mariam Naoum from SARD, who contributed to All but Divorced, and Forgetfulness writer Shadi Kiwan.
Speaking about the series, Amanda Turnbull, CEO and Co-founder of Rise Studios, said: “When we launched Rise Studios 18 months ago, we did so to elevate the region’s entertainment landscape by creating an ecosystem of carefully chosen creative partners. Our investment and direct hand in the ideation and production process of All but Divorced and Forgetfulness, supported by data-driven insights, aligns with our mission to tell stories differently and shape the content landscape by introducing narratives that entertain and resonate with viewers on a profound level.”
Having acquired the exclusive adaptation rights to All but Divorced from TV TOKYO last year, Rise Studios collaborated with SARD to adapt the Japanese format directly into Arabic while preserving the essence of the original narrative. Inspired by Honda Yuuki’s celebrated Manga, this series delves into the turbulent tale of a desolate writer entangled in a web of infidelity, secrets, and lies, navigating a forbidden affair amidst the ruins of his seven-year loveless marriage. Starring Dina El Sherbini, Iyad Nassar, and Salma Abu Deif, the series elevates its narrative complexity with a fateful, violent twist.
Meanwhile, Forgetfulness, directed by Alfouz Tanhour, brings to life the compelling saga of a family torn apart by the disappearance of their children amid conflict, set against the backdrop of war-torn Lebanon and Syria. This poignant narrative promises to challenge perceptions of reality as the parents confront secrets that push the boundaries of their courage and resilience. Starring acclaimed actors Cyrine Abdel Nour and Qays Sheikh Najeeb, Forgetfulness delves into the depths of human emotions and the complexities of life post-tragedy.
Turnbull added: “Our recent research report – Beyond Borders: The Evolution of Non-English Content in MENA – revealed a surge in demand for non-English content formats, as well as more high-quality content in the Arabic language. Bringing these two series to fruition is a step towards bridging the gap between demand and supply and is a clear display of our commitment to providing regional talent with a platform to showcase their talents to the world.”
