The film "Fighting the Desert" was screened at the Red Sea Film Festival
In an exceptional cinematic event eagerly anticipated by film enthusiasts, the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival witnessed the Middle Eastern premiere of the highly anticipated epic film "Desert Warrior." This screening, held on December 6, 2025, as part of the festival's events running from December 4 to 13, marked a pivotal moment in the history of Saudi Arabian cinema, being one of the largest productions ever filmed entirely within the Kingdom.
A historical epic that revives the glories of the Arabs
The film "Desert Warrior" is set in the Arabian Peninsula during the 7th century AD, a period rich with momentous events that shaped the region's identity. Drawing inspiration from real historical events, most notably the famous Battle of Dhi Qar, the film depicts the intertwining of internal tribal conflicts with the external threat of the Sasanian Empire. The dramatic narrative focuses on Princess Hind, who plays a pivotal role in uniting the warring tribes against the armies of Khosrow, in a visually stunning display of Arab courage and resourcefulness in the face of invaders.
Global production with Saudi hands and vision
This project is the fruit of a massive production collaboration between regional and international entities, spearheaded by MBC Studios and JB Pictures, with significant logistical and financial support from the Saudi Film Commission through its incentive program. Directed by the renowned Robert Wyatt, known for his acclaimed works such as "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," the film lends a global dimension to this local story. The cast boasts a stellar lineup of international and Arab stars, including Ayesha Hart, Sharlto Copley, and the Syrian actor Ghassan Massoud, alongside promising Saudi talents like Saeed Bamdough and Omar Al-Atawi.
NEOM and Tabuk: The new global cinema destination
The film was shot in the cities of Tabuk and NEOM, where cameras utilized the unique geographical terrain of vast deserts and towering mountains to create a stunning visual experience that complements the film's historical context. The selection of these locations and their advanced infrastructure reflect the success of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in transforming Saudi Arabia into a leading destination for the global film industry, capable of accommodating the largest productions and providing all the necessary logistical and technical services for major Hollywood and international studios.
The screening of "Desert Fighter" at the Red Sea Film Festival represents a powerful message confirming the maturity of the Saudi film sector and its ability not only to consume global content, but also to participate in its creation and export the region's stories and history to the world with production quality that matches global standards.
