Saudi Rom-Com ‘A Matter of Life and Death,’ Starring and Written by Sarah Taibah, Unveiled at Jeddah Fest
Film Clinic and Front Row Productions have teamed up with Arabia Pictures Group and Rotana Studios to produce the offbeat Saudi rom-com A Matter of Life and Death, written by Sarah Taibah (last year’s Red Sea International Film Festival opening film Hwjn, Jameel Jeddan) and directed by Anas Ba-Tahaf (Fay’s Palette, Jameel Jeddan).
Starring Taibah (Mandoob, Jameel Jeddan) and Yaqoub Alfarhan (Norah, Rashash and the upcoming AlGhaid), the film is “a quirky tale involving Hayat, a superstitious young woman who is convinced she’s cursed, and Yousef, a shy heart surgeon dealing with a bafflingly slow heartbeat,” according to a synopsis. “Their fates collide in the most peculiar way: she’s wishing for an end, while he’s wrestling with even darker thoughts.”
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The creatives promise “a rollercoaster journey through love, destiny, and the surprising connections
that can sprout from life’s craziest twists all told through the eyes of the two endearing and
unconventional characters.”
Principal photography is set to begin in Jeddah in January 2025.
“We’re absolutely excited to unveil this one-of-a-kind Saudi tale,” said Film Clinic producer
Moh Hefzy. “Sarah and Anas have woven a narrative that not only captivates but also strikes
a chord by authentically showcasing the richness of human connections and the delightful
quirks of life while exploring universal dilemmas.”
Added Front Row’s Gianluca Chakra: “I’m thrilled to team up again with my good friend Moh Hefzy and join forces with Arabia Pictures Group and Rotana Studios. This collaboration highlights how essential partnerships are for elevating the production industry in Saudi Arabia and the wider region. With this project, we’re infusing unique perspectives into our films, ultimately enriching the landscape!”
Front Row and Film Clinic previously teamed up on Perfect Strangers, Netflix’s first local-
language original for the region. Arabia Pictures Group and Film Clinic collaborated on drama Flight 404, starring Mona Zaki and Mohamed Farrag.
Front Row Filmed Entertainment will handle all distribution rights in the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) region, as well as global sales.
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