Marzouq: A new Saudi cinematic experience supported by Ithra
Film director Hussein Mahfouz announced the completion of post-production and final touches on his new film project, "Marzouq," a project that culminates in his screenplay winning a grant from the "Film Enrichment Program." The film is based on a profound human story grounded in visual perception and intense emotional experience, offering an artistic treatment that reflects the growing maturity and development of the Saudi film movement in recent years.
Crew and filming environment
The film is written and directed by Hussein Mahfouz and stars a distinguished cast including Haitham Habib, Majed Al-Sihaiti, and Furat, with Abdullah Ramadan also featured, alongside a group of promising young talents. Filming took place in Saihat and various locations throughout the Eastern Province, where the natural environment and carefully chosen locations played a crucial role in enhancing the visual narrative. This contributed to creating an atmosphere that served the director's artistic vision and reinforced the story's realism. The film is produced by Studio Jackal, which continues to solidify its presence in the art scene by supporting high-quality Saudi film projects that prioritize artistic content and local identity.
Ithraa.. An incubator for cinematic creativity
The production of the film “Marzouq” cannot be separated from the broader context of institutional support enjoyed by the film sector in the Kingdom, particularly the pioneering role played by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra). Since its inception, the center has consistently nurtured Saudi talent and provided platforms for support, funding, and training, contributing to the release of dozens of Saudi films and their participation in international festivals. The selection of “Marzouq’s” screenplay for support from the program is a testament to the quality of its artistic approach and its alignment with the high standards that the center strives to establish within the local industry.
The rise of Saudi cinema and Vision 2030
This film comes at a golden time for the Saudi film industry, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030, which has placed great emphasis on the culture and arts sector. Since the establishment of the Film Commission and the launch of national strategies, the industry has transformed from tireless individual efforts into organized institutional work aimed at making the Kingdom a regional hub for film production. Films that focus on local identity and cultural heritage, such as "Marzouq," are a cornerstone of the Kingdom's soft power, conveying the stories and human details of Saudi society to the world, transcending stereotypes and offering an authentic visual narrative.
Film festivals... a gateway
The film "Marzouq" is expected to begin its screening journey by participating in a number of local and international film festivals. The first stop is anticipated to be the Saudi Film Festival in Dammam this coming April. This festival holds a special and historical significance as it was the first incubator for Saudi filmmakers before the major cinematic opening, and it remains the most important platform for discovering new talent and celebrating independent voices. Further screenings are planned and will be announced later, as part of a plan to introduce the film to a wider audience both within the Kingdom and abroad, thus strengthening the presence of Saudi cinema on the international stage.
