AGC Intl., the international sales and distribution arm of Stuart Ford’s fast-growing independent content studio AGC Studios, has picked up world rights from Image Nation Abu Dhabi, MBC Studios and VOX Studios on Yasir Al Yasiri‘s “HWJN,” and from O3 Medya and Dhafer L’Abidine’s Double A Productions on L’Abidine’s “To My Son.”
Saudi fantasy romance ‘HWJN’ will open the Red Sea Film Festival on Nov. 30, while the emotional family drama “To My Son” will premiere in Red Sea’s Arab Spectacular section.
The deals mark another significant step in AGC Studios’ drive to bringing theatrical features from the Middle East and North Africa region to global audiences. AGC has partnered with Image Nation Abu Dhabi on Arabic blockbusters “Al Kameen” and “Voy! Voy! Voy!” (with VOX), Egypt’s box-office juggernaut and selection for Academy Award consideration for best international feature. AGC is also partnered with MBC Studios to handle world rights on its upcoming Arabian historical epic “Desert Warrior,” directed by Rupert Wyatt and starring Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart and Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley.
“HWJN” is produced by Image Nation Abu Dhabi, MBC Studios and VOX Studios, three of the region’s most significant entities in the content and entertainment sector. Adapted from the best-selling Young Adult fantasy novel by Ibraheem Abbas, “HWJN” combines Arabian folklore elements of fantasy, blended with modern themes. Set in modern-day Jeddah, “HWJN” follows the story of a kind-hearted jinn as he discovers the truth about his royal lineage. HWJN (Baraa Alem) sets off on an epic journey to reclaim his birthright, and while battling ancient evils to maintain the harmonious balance between his world and ours, falls in love with Sawsan (Nour Alkhadra), a young medical student.
The film was co-written by Yasir Al Yasiri, Ibraheem Abbas, Sarah Taibah and Hussam Alhulwah, executive produced by Majid Al Ansari (“Zinzana”) and Saad Al Albutaily (“Cherry”), and produced by Yasiri’s production company, Axx productions. The book was published by Yatakhayaloon, which is founded by Yasser Bahjatt and Ibraheem Abbas.
“To My Son” tells the story of a seemingly united family thrown into turmoil by the sudden return of their son, whom they haven’t seen for 12 years. Produced by O3 Medya and L’Abidine’s Double A Productions, the film stars L’Abidine in the lead role, alongside Saudi actors Ibrahim Al Hassaoui, Summer Shesha, Ida Alkusay, Khairia Nazmi and Sarah Alyafei. It also features Jordanian actor Adam Abu Sakha, British actress Emilia Fox, and Lebanese newcomer Adam Zahr. Saner Ayar, Irmak Yazim and Tolga Ismen are executive producers.
“To My Son” marks L’Abidine’s second venture into directing, following his 2021 film “Ghodwa,” which won the FIPRESCI award for best film when it premiered at the 2021 Cairo Film Festival. L’Abidine has had a diverse and extensive film career, which includes roles in British, American and French productions such as “Children of Men,” “Centurion” and “The Eddy.” In the Arab world, he has garnered numerous awards for his work, notably best actor for his performances in the Egyptian series “Eugenie Nights” and “Halawat Al Dounia.” His most recent role was in the successful series “Aroos Beirut,” further solidifying his critical and popular acclaim across the region.
“HWJN’s” Al Yasiri is an Iraqi filmmaker. His first feature-length film, “Shabab Sheyab” (2018), received glowing reviews from both audiences and film critics. It had its world premiere at the Palm Springs Film Festival and continued to tour the international festival circuit. He followed it up with the box-office blockbuster “122” (2019).
