Stuart Ford’s independent content company AGC Studios is partnering with Egyptian star Mohamed Karim’s MK Global Entertainment to produce “Judgment of the Dead,” an English-language thriller steeped in ancient Egypt’s lore.
Karim is known across the Middle East as a former host of talent show “The Voice of Arabia” and for roles in popular Ramadan soaps. He is concurrently pursuing a Hollywood career that has led to roles alongside Nicolas Cage in 2019 action movie“A Score to Settle”and with Bruce Willis in “A Day to Die.”
U.S. writer Thomas M. Hewlett wrote the screenplay for “Judgment of the Dead,” based on Karim’s original idea. The story follows Dr. Sherif Hawass (Karim), a renowned Egyptologist “who must save the world and the woman he loves after he unknowingly releases an ancient evil found in one of his artifacts,” according to a provided synopsis.
The project is in early stages with no director or other cast besides Karim being announced. Ford, who has long been active in the Middle East, will be shopping “Judgment of the Dead” at Saudi Arabia’s upcoming Red Sea Film Festival and market.
Karim’s accolades over the years include winning best actor awards at the Monaco International Film Festival for his role in English-language romantic comedy “A Facebook Romance,” and at the Alexandria International Film Festival for Egyptian romance “Stolen Kisses.” He was named one of GQ Middle East’s “Men of the Year 2021” for his work in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and internationally. And is known for being active in build bridges between the Hollywood and MENA region film communities.
The deal was negotiated by senior VP of legal and business affairs Anant Tamirisa on behalf of AGC, which will handle worldwide rights.