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Saudi-Turkish road-trip comedy ‘My Treat’ set to break new ground
A unique blend of cultures
In an exciting collaboration, Dubai-based Front Row Productions and the newly established Saudi production company Alamiya Filmed Entertainment are teaming up to bring us “My Treat” (“Mahmool Makfool”), a Saudi-Turkish road-trip comedy. This film promises to be a delightful mix of humor and cultural exploration, focusing on the adventures of three young Saudi women who are avid fans of Turkish soap operas.
The allure of Turkish dramas
Turkish content has long been a favorite in the Arab world, thanks to shared historical and cultural ties. “My Treat” will tap into this fascination, offering a fresh comedic take on the phenomenon. The film is set to begin shooting in September, with locations spanning from Riyadh to Istanbul. This marks a significant milestone as it will be the first Saudi feature film to be shot in Turkey.
Plot twists and turns
The story revolves around three female superfans of Turkish soaps—Abu-Laban, Mohsen, and Wegdan—who embark on a journey from Riyadh to Istanbul with the dream of meeting their favorite Turkish heartthrob. However, their adventure takes an unexpected turn when they are falsely accused of kidnapping the very star they idolize, plunging them into a real-life Turkish soap opera scenario.
Star-studded cast
The film boasts a talented cast, including Khairiyah Abu Laban (“Slave”), Nermin Mohsen (“The Blue Whale”), and Egyptian star Engy Wegdan (“Teleat Rohi”). Negotiations are currently underway to secure an A-list Turkish actor to play the heartthrob at the center of the comedy.
Directorial vision
“My Treat” will be directed by Egypt’s Karim Abu Zeid (“11.11”) from a screenplay by Saudi-Palestinian writer Noha Saadi, known for her work on the Arabic adaptation of ”The Office.” The original story was conceived by Alamiya Filmed Entertainment chief Wesam Kattan.
A vision brought to life
Kattan expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, ”This film truly embodies AFE’s vision and strategy. Almost three years in the making, the project represents a collaborative effort where our commitment to process, data, and talent has come to life.” He emphasized that the themes of celebrity fandom, friendship, and loyalty are central to the story, reflecting the essence of human connections in the world of fame.
A growing industry
Front Row Productions CEOs Gianluca Chakra and Mario Haddad Jr. highlighted the significant growth of Saudi Arabia’s film industry, noting that homegrown comedies such as “SATTAR,” “Mandoob,” “Shabab El Bomb,” and ”Hammour” have frequently outperformed Western studio blockbusters. They believe that blending elements of Saudi and Arab cinema with the popular Turkish style could create an intriguing formula that respects and incorporates the cultural nuances of all three regions.
A promising partnership
Front Row Productions is a joint venture between prominent MENA region distribution companies Front Row Filmed Entertainment, based in Dubai and headed by Chakra, and Beirut-based Empire Entertainment, owned by the Haddad family. This partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to bring innovative and culturally rich content to audiences.
A new chapter in cinema
“My Treat” is more than just a film; it represents a new chapter in the evolving landscape of Middle Eastern cinema. By combining the comedic elements of Saudi culture with the dramatic flair of Turkish soaps, this film has the potential to captivate audiences across the region and beyond. For those eager to dive into this unique cinematic experience, keep an eye out for the trailer and more updates as the project progresses.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit My Treat.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the upcoming film “My Treat,” highlighting its unique cultural blend, star-studded cast, and the promising future of Middle Eastern cinema. Whether you’re a fan of comedy, drama, or simply curious about the intersection of different cultures, this film is sure to offer something special.
