Cedars Art Productions: Defying adversity with groundbreaking shows at Mipcom

Lebanese production powerhouse showcases resilience and creativity amid turmoil

Navigating the chaos

Cedars Art Productions, based in Beirut, refuses to let ongoing conflicts hinder its momentum. Amid Israeli airstrikes, the renowned TV and film company continues to surge forward under the steadfast leadership of CEO Sadek Sabbah. With additional bases in Cairo, Casablanca, and Dubai, Cedars Art’s presence at Mipcom is marked by a rich and diverse slate of new productions.

70 years of storytelling against all odds

Though initially planned as a grand celebration of 70 years in the industry at Cannes, Cedars Art’s anniversary is no longer an occasion for joy but a bittersweet recognition of endurance. “I don’t want to say ‘celebrating’ due to the chaos in Lebanon and Palestine,” Sabbah notes. This somber declaration underlines the gravity of the current situation, yet it also highlights the company’s unwavering commitment to its mission.

Bringing Arab narratives to global stages

Chief among Cedars Art’s offerings at Mipcom is “Far Away,” the Turkish adaptation of their hit Arabic series “Al Hayba”. This ambitious project tells the story of a family of arms smugglers and represents a significant milestone for the company. Turkey, a leading exporter of television dramas, presents a unique challenge and opportunity for this adaptation. For more information, visit “Far Away” trailer.

Expanding the horizons of Arabic TV

Sabbah’s pride extends beyond “Far Away.” Recently, Cedars Art produced “The Last Round,” a series that became the first Arabic show to stream globally on Amazon Prime Video. The show’s initial reception was underwhelming due to insufficient promotion. Nevertheless, Sabbah remains optimistic as the series is poised for re-launch on other platforms.

Enduring conflict and moving forward

As Lebanon endures bombardment, Sabbah provides a glimpse into the practical challenges faced: “Cedars Art operates across a Pan-Arabic landscape. While parts of Lebanon remain safe, other areas are deeply affected by the conflict.” This geographical dispersion has been vital in maintaining the steady flow of productions, even as the company plans to shoot an upcoming Ramadan series in Lebanon.

Struggling with an uncertain future

The prospects of peace remain uncertain. Sabbah reflects, “The political roots of this ongoing conflict do not justify the suffering of the Lebanese people. Our hope lies in democratic solutions rather than war.” His father’s wisdom resonates deeply: “Lebanon is like a tree that will shake but never fall.”

Arab series crossing borders

“Far Away” signifies a triumphant synchronization of Arabic and Turkish television cultures. Sabbah explains, “It’s an honor to bring a hit Arabic series to a global audience through our Turkish partners.” The adaptation process was meticulous, involving extensive collaboration with Ay Yapim, one of Turkey’s premier TV companies. The result is a culturally rich series that aims to match the success of its predecessor, “Al Hayba”.

Insights into “Far Away’s” progress

The production of “Far Away” is well underway, with the first 12 episodes completed and currently being edited. Mipcom attendees can look forward to new trailers and an imminent release on Kanal D in Turkey. The collaborative effort between Cedars Art and Ay Yapim continues as they prepare for international sales, waiting to gauge the series’ success domestically first.

Trailblazing with “The Last Round”

“The Last Round,” featuring Egyptian star Ahmed El Sakka, marks another significant milestone. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, it broke new ground for Arabic series globally. Despite initial promotional shortcomings, Sabbah sees potential for broader distribution. With Amazon’s exclusive rights expiring soon, Cedars Art is ready to present this captivating nine-episode series to new channels at Mipcom.

The future of Cedars Art Productions

Despite the chaos, Cedars Art Productions’ commitment to storytelling and cultural exchange remains steadfast. With “Far Away” and “The Last Round,” the company not only showcases its resilience but also its innovative spirit, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.

Diving deeper into Cedars Art’s journey through turmoil and triumph, we learn valuable lessons about resilience, the power of storytelling, and the unyielding human spirit. The Lebanese production powerhouse continues to defy odds, bringing Arab narratives to the world stage, and in doing so, reaffirms the indomitable essence of creativity.

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