Rising independent Riyadh-based studio Telfaz11 and newly formed British distribution label Metis Films are teaming up to release a Saudi hit Mandob in Great Britain and Ireland.
The contemporary drama follows the mishaps of Fahad Algadaani, a Riyadh-based night courier (Mandoob) who finds himself in the crosshairs of the city’s underworld while trying to raise money for his father’s medical bills.
The film was a success in domestic cinemas, attracting 630,000 viewers since its release last December. The success follows Telfaz11’s successful freestyle wrestling comedy Sattar.
Mandob is the first film from Telfaz11 co-founder Ali Kalthami, who previously rose to fame in his homeland through his viral YouTube videos, which racked up billions of views before Saudi Arabia’s 35-year ban on cinemas was lifted in 2017.
“When we created the story of Mandob (Night courier), we focused on targeting local audiences. However, after its huge box office success in Saudi Arabia and its world tour, we are proud that the film is also resonating with global audiences. We hope that filmgoers from the UK and Ireland will understand Fahad’s character and his story,” said Kalthami.
Metcalf founded the UK and Irish distribution label Metis Film in April, having previously worked in distribution and exhibition at Curzon/Artificial Eye, Momentum, eOne and Altitude, where he was involved in the release of over 200 films including Moth, Sir, TurnerAnd Me, Daniel Blake.
“Metis Films is pleased to collaborate with Telfaz11 on the release of the Saudi hit Mandob (Night courier). “This tense, propulsive thriller is exactly the kind of film Metis wants to release. “I’m honored that it’s our first release and proud to be bringing it to British and Irish cinemas,” said Metcalf.
Metis Films will begin releasing on August 30th.
Mandob premiered in Toronto last year and went on to play at a number of international festivals, including Glasgow, where it had its UK premiere. The film also enjoyed a packed local premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah last December ahead of its release in Saudi Arabia.
The film is produced by Telfaz11 Studio with support from the Red Sea Film Foundation Fund and Muvi Studios.
The film is directed by Alaa Faden, Wael Abumansour and Mohammed Alhamoud and produced by Abdulrahman Jarrash Al-Qahtani.