Egyptian Indie Film Clinic Branches Out Into Saudi Arabia
Egyptian Film Powerhouse Film clinic Sets Up Shop in Saudi Arabia
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Riyadh, saudi Arabia – Renowned Egyptian producer Mohamed Hefzy is making a major move into the burgeoning Saudi Arabian film scene.Hefzy, whose production company Film Clinic boasts an impressive six titles at this year’s Red Sea Film Festival, is establishing a new outpost in Riyadh.
This expansion comes after years of Hefzy cultivating relationships within the Saudi film community. He collaborated on the high-end adventure film “Hajjan,” directed by Egyptian filmmaker Abu Bakr Shawky, which premiered at the red Sea film Festival last year after a successful launch at the Toronto International Film Festival. “Hajjan” was a joint production between Film Clinic and the king Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, known as Ithra.
“This is something that’s been in the cards for a couple of years,” Hefzy told Variety. While the base will be in Riyadh,Hefzy emphasized a kingdom-wide approach. “We’re talking about Riyadh. We’re talking about Jeddah. We’re talking about alula. We’re talking about any place where we could shoot films in the kingdom and work with local filmmakers,” he said.
Hefzy stressed the importance of respecting Saudi culture and collaborating with local talent. “We don’t want to be the outsiders that come in importing talents, importing directors, writers, and actors,” he explained. “We want to be respectful of the fact that there are a lot of upcoming [Saudi] talents that have stories to tell, and that they are much better placed to tell the stories then we are.”
Film Clinic aims to build strong relationships with the saudi film community, including existing partners like MBC Group, ithra, Muvi, and Arabia Pictures. “We look forward to hearing from all saudi writers, directors and creatives,” Hefzy stated.
This saudi expansion coincides with Film Clinic’s declaration of its 2025 production slate, featuring seven films in various stages of growth, production, and post-production, with several hailing from Saudi Arabia.
One of Film Clinic’s latest saudi productions is “A Matter of Life and Death,” a romantic black comedy starring Sarah Taibah (“mandoob”) and Yaqoub Alfarhan (“Norah,” “Rashash”). The film follows Hayat, a superstitious young woman convinced she’s cursed and wanting to end her life, who encounters Yousef, an introverted young man.
Saudi Arabia’s Film Clinic Unveils Slate of international Co-Productions
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Film Clinic, a leading production company in the burgeoning saudi Arabian film industry, has announced an exciting slate of upcoming projects, showcasing the company’s commitment to diverse storytelling and international collaboration.
The lineup includes “Life and Death,” a poignant drama set to begin filming soon in Jeddah. The film, written by Jeddah-based Sarah Taibah (“Jameel Jiddan”), explores the intertwined lives of a surgeon with a slow heartbeat and a patient yearning for an end to their suffering. “Life and Death” marks the directorial debut of Saudi-based Yemeni filmmaker Anas Batahaf.
This enterprising project has attracted a powerhouse of regional production companies, including Front Row Filmed Entertainment, Arabia Pictures Group, and Rotana Studios, joining forces with film Clinic.
Film Clinic’s slate also features a range of compelling stories from across the Arab world:
“Berleen”: This Berlin-set tale, directed by Ahmed Abdalla (“Microphone,” “19 B”), follows three Arab immigrants whose lives intertwine in the German capital. Starring Menna Shalabi, Yosra El-Lozy, and Mohamed Hatem, “Berleen” is a German-Egyptian co-production with Seera Films, distributed by Film Clinic Indie Distribution and Arabia Pictures.
“The 67th summer”: Abu Bakr Shawky, whose debut “Yomeddine” made waves at Cannes, returns with this heartwarming story of a young Egyptian boy who forms a unique friendship with an Austrian girl through letters. Starring Amir el-Masry,Nelly Karim,and Valerie Pachner (“A Hidden Life”),”The 67th Summer” is a co-production between Cinenovo,Film AG,Fox is the Snow,Film Clinic,Lagoonie Film Productions,and Film Square.
“Cotton Queen”: Sudanese director Suzannah Mirghani’s latest film, “cotton Queen,” is a captivating drama set in a Sudanese cotton farming village. This German, French, Palestinian, and Egyptian co-production, produced by Film Clinic, Strange Birds, maneki Films, and Philistine Films, follows a young woman whose life is disrupted by the arrival of a wealthy businessman. “My Father’s Scent”: Egyptian director Mohamed Siam’s “My Father’s Scent” delves into the complex relationship between a father and son as they confront long-held secrets during a single, pivotal night. The film stars Ahmed mal.Film Clinic’s diverse slate reflects the company’s dedication to fostering international collaborations and amplifying unique voices from the Arab world. With these compelling projects in development, Film Clinic is poised to make a significant impact on the global film landscape.
Egyptian Cinema Takes Center Stage at Red Sea Film Festival
Film Clinic Leads the Charge with Six Titles, Including a Biopic on Iconic Singer Umm Kulthum
The Red Sea International Film festival is set to be a showcase for Egyptian cinema, with a strong lineup of films highlighting the country’s rich storytelling tradition. Leading the charge is Film Clinic, a prominent Egyptian production company, which boasts six titles at the festival, including three in the prestigious official competition.
One of the most anticipated films is “El Set,” a biopic chronicling the life of Umm Kulthum, widely regarded as the Arab world’s greatest singer. Directed by acclaimed Egyptian filmmaker Marwan Hamed, known internationally for his groundbreaking epic “The Yacoubian Building,” “El Set” promises a captivating exploration of the legendary artist’s life and legacy. The film is a co-production between Film Clinic, Synergy, Film Square, and Oscar Studios.
Film Clinic’s impressive slate at the festival also includes Khaled Mansour’s “Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo,” Mahdi Fleifel’s “To a Land Unkown,” and Taghreed Abu Al-Hassan’s “Snow White,” all vying for top honors in the official competition.
Adding to the excitement, Jaylan Auf’s “The Inevitable Journey to Find a Wedding Dress” will be featured in the Festival Favorites section, while Omar Bakry’s ”Abdo and Saneya” and Abdulaziz Alshlahei’s Saudi film “Hobal” will have their world premieres in the Arab Stunning section.
The Red Sea Film Festival’s spotlight on Egyptian cinema underscores the country’s enduring influence on the world of film and its continued ability to produce compelling and thought-provoking stories.
Film Clinic Expands to Saudi Arabia: A Conversation with Producing Powerhouse Mohamed Hefzy
NewsDirectery3.com exclusive
The Saudi Arabian film scene is witnessing a major influx of international talent and investment, and leading the charge is Egyptian producer Mohamed Hefzy, founder of Film Clinic. Hefzy, renowned for his keen eye for remarkable stories and his commitment to nurturing emerging talent, is establishing a new branch of Film Clinic right in the heart of Riyadh.
In an exclusive interview with NewsDirectery3, Hefzy sheds light on this strategic expansion, his vision for Film Clinic’s role in the Saudi film ecosystem, and the exciting slate of projects already in development.
ND3: This expansion into Saudi Arabia seems like a natural progression for Film Clinic, but what spurred this move specifically now?
MH: For years, I’ve been building relationships within the Saudi film community. Our collaboration on “hajjan,” a high-profile adventure film shot in collaboration with Ithra, solidified my belief in the immense potential of this market. The time felt right to establish a more permanent presence and contribute directly to the growth of Saudi cinema.
ND3: You’ve been vocal about respecting local culture and collaborating deeply with Saudi talent. Can you elaborate on how Film Clinic intends to achieve this?
MH: It’s crucial for us to be more than just outside investors. We wont to be partners,collaborators,and mentors. We’ll be actively seeking out Saudi writers, directors, and actors, providing them with the resources and platform to tell their stories authentically. Our aim isn’t to import talent but to empower existing talent and help them reach a wider audience.
ND3: You mentioned the upcoming slate of projects. What can you tell us about the kinds of stories Film Clinic is looking to develop in Saudi Arabia?
MH: Our focus will be on diverse and engaging narratives that resonate with both local and international audiences. We’re excited about films like “A matter of Life and Death,” a poignant black comedy that delves into universal themes of love, fate, and self-discovery, with a uniquely Saudi perspective.
ND3: What message do you have for the aspiring filmmakers and creatives in Saudi Arabia?
MH: This is an exciting time to be part of the Saudi film industry. There’s a surge of interest and investment,and the world is eager to see Saudi stories on the big screen.Film Clinic is hear to support your vision and help you share your unique talents with the world.
ND3: Thank you for your time, Mohamed.We’re eagerly anticipating Film Clinic’s contributions to the Saudi cinematic landscape.
MH: It’s my pleasure. The future of Saudi cinema is radiant, and Film Clinic is thrilled to be a part of it.