Director Simon West to shoot historic drama Antara in Saudi Arabia's Neom
Simon West
Famed director Simon West, known for his work on blockbuster films such as Con-Airand Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, has set his sights on Saudi Arabia's production hub, Neom, for his upcoming historic drama, Antara.
This cinematic endeavour, co-produced by writer and producer Alexander Amartei and Stuart Sutherland, who boasts an impressive portfolio including Killing Eve, Born A King, and The Man Who Fell To Earth, delves into the remarkable life of Antara ibn Shaddad. A true story set in the sixth century, the film chronicles the extraordinary journey of Antara, a warrior and poet, who achieved fame despite being imprisoned.
With production scheduled to span 12 weeks, starting early in 2024, Antarais set to tap into Neom's enticing 40 per cent cash rebate for feature films, TV dramas, reality shows, documentaries, and commercials. The film will call Neom's Bajdah Studios home and make use of the picturesque nearby Red Sea coastline.
Director Simon West expressed his enthusiasm for bringing this lesser-known true story to life on the silver screen. "The life of Antara is one of those relatively little-known true stories that prove that fact can be so much stranger than fiction," West told Deadline. He also highlighted the significance of filming in the homeland of the Banu Abs tribe, emphasising the project's role in fostering the region's emergingfilm industry.
Neom's Managing Director of Media Industries, Entertainment, and Culture, Wayne Borg, said the arrival of a big international production like Antara was further evidence of the growing confidence film producers have in Neom.
)
Xi Jinping's new AI bloc: China launches 'World AI Body' with Pakistan and Russia in, India out
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the S-400 uses solid rocket fuel instead of liquid fuel
)
CORTIS' first-ever concert sparks backlash over repeated songs and short setlist
)
Explained: Why Rodri won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball over Lionel Messi
)
Japan is selling a refrigerator to cool the human body for Rs 9 lakh. It is already a hit in Tokyo
)
Revealed! The hidden ritual Marc Cucurella performed before Spain won the FIFA World Cup
)
Mumbai court gives life sentences to 44 Somali pirates despite mercy plea
)
US-Iran conflicts: Houthis announce maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, Iran attacks MQ-9 drone hangar | Gravitas
)
‘Iran can survive sanctions, but can’t truly live’: Dy FM warns of economic cost of war
)
Sonam Wangchuk's connection with George Soros and Ford Foundation explained!
)
‘Netanyahu will not be arrested in any way, shape, or form in US’: Trump’s counter to Mamdani
)
FACT CHECK: Was Abhijit Dipke detained during CJP's Parliament march? Here's what police say
)
'There is no need for...': PM Modi takes a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi, sends big message amid Parliament March
)
UP BTech gold medalist dies by suicide after failing in nearly 50 govt job attempts, leaves note for father
)
'Could be bombed at any moment': What Iran's Araghchi told Trump envoy Witkoff during negotiations
)
Jail over Khamenei post: J&K youth returns home after 3 months in Saudi custody
)
Salman Khan breaks silence on health concerns after viral Mumbai appearance
)
'George Soros playbook': Understanding the foreign funding network around Sonam Wangchuk
)
Indus treaty can no longer function in its current form, says India; plans 5,500 mw of new J&K hydro projects
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
2026 FIFA World Cup awards: Full list of Golden Boot, Golden Ball, Golden Glove and every major winner
)
US-Iran war: Report suggests US lost 42 aircraft, including fighter jets, reaper drones
)
JD and Usha Vance welcome fourth child: Who serves as acting US vice president during Vance's paternity leave?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Spain World Cup victory parade in Madrid: Champions celebrate second FIFA World Cup title with over million fans
)
Heavy sanctions loom over Argentine players after ugly brawl following final whistle in World Cup final
)
As Russia pounds Ukraine, Kyiv grapples with a growing manpower shortage in the military | Gravitas
)
Truck loaded with stones, metro stations closed: What's happening at Jantar Mantar now
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US fighter jets use seamless bubble canopies compared to Russian jets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the F-22’s cockpit glass is thicker than a standard fighter jet
)
Student union leaders call off hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after civil society appeal, but protest continues
)
Tulsi Gabbard's brother Batarti accused of luring children to hotel room in Hawaii
)
Argentina's racism problem: How football chants reflect a deeper historical legacy
)
US strikes Iran, sirens heard in Kuwait, one American soldier killed in Iraq: What's happening in West Asia
)
'What is wrong...': Anna Hazare breaks silence on Sonam Wangchuk's protest, makes an appeal to Centre
“They also boost our ecosystem’s development by providing unparalleled work experience opportunities for young Saudis and fast-track the development and growth of the local workforce,” he further told Deadline.
Upcoming productions set to grace Neom this fall include MBC's ambitious TV drama series Exceptional, comprising a staggering 200 episodes annually, and Hobal, a Saudi feature film directed by the acclaimed Abdulaziz Alshlahei.
WATCH WION LIVE HERE
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.