Junoon sets stage for Halloween by showcasing Saudi horror film scene

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Junoon, the latest film directed by brothers Maan B. and Yaser B., brings a new meaning to the horror genre in Saudi film history. (Supplied)
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Junoon, the latest film directed by brothers Maan B. and Yaser B., brings a new meaning to the horror genre in Saudi film history. (Supplied)
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Junoon, the latest film directed by brothers Maan B. and Yaser B., brings a new meaning to the horror genre in Saudi film history. (Supplied)
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Junoon, the latest film directed by brothers Maan B. and Yaser B., brings a new meaning to the horror genre in Saudi film history. (Supplied)
Updated 28 October 2022
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Junoon sets stage for Halloween by showcasing Saudi horror film scene

  • Premiere was held in Saudi Arabia’s biggest movie theater at the Boulevard Riyadh City

RIYADH: Halloween begins early with the nationwide premiere of the newest Saudi horror film “Junoon,” directed by brothers Maan B. and Yaser B., bringing a new meaning to the genre in the Kingdom’s film history.

On Wednesday, the premiere was held in Saudi Arabia’s biggest movie theater at the Boulevard Riyadh City, with 485 guests, media personalities, content creators and filmmakers in attendance. The event also featured hired extras playing bloodied zombie victims.

As a group of young creators set out on a mission to uncover the most supernatural activity at Suicide Rock in California, they enlist the help of an American vlogger. On their travels to Los Angeles, the fun adventure they thought they were embarking on takes them down a dark and dangerous path.

“The found footage style is very unique and kind of difficult to make. We spent three years making this movie… It’s a unique style, it has a lot of spontaneity in it, and it reflects reality. People always check their social media, and the characters they saw in the film reflect that,” co-director and star Maan B. told Arab News.

The film incorporates a Saudi-majority cast, including Maan B, Ida Alkusay, Saleh Alem, Sumaya Rida, as well as the Brazilian filmmaker Noan Ribeiro.




The film incorporates a Saudi-majority cast including Maan B, Ida Alkusay, Saleh Alem and Sumaya Rida.

The story was inspired by Maan’s experience living in a building full of Vine influencers, whose job was to attract the highest level of views and social media engagement.

“This is where the idea was born, from chasing fame and what you would do for content. I saw it in front of my eyes; they would go wild and crazy. We took that concept, we blended it with horror, with jinn and a lot of aspects,” Maan said.

He credits the scriptwriters Marwan Mokbel and Pedro Paulo Araujo with bringing the concept into action.

At the time, the Logan Paul scandal dominated the news, a situation where a social media personality posted a video of a man who had hung himself at Suicide Forest in Japan, which was later criticized by the public.

Thus was born the character of a man who wants to be famous and will do anything to achieve that goal, no matter the cost.

“Our society, Arab societies especially, Muslim, they believe in supernatural (forces). It’s part of the culture, part of the religion, and part of everything. This is something planted in us at a young age. We wanted to incorporate supernatural horror more than something zombie or monster-related, things we don’t believe in. This is something in our culture that we might believe in more, so it’s more relatable to us,” Talha B., the consulting producer of “Junoon,” told Arab News.

While the public premiere date was not intended to be this close to Halloween, he admitted that it was a happy coincidence. “It’s almost too good to be true that this happened, so it’s in our benefit,” Talha said.

Alkusay, who portrayed Jiji in the film, said this was the first movie project she had taken part in at the time of filming. Seeing the work on the biggest screen in Saudi Arabia brought feelings of pride and accomplishment.

“It was a wonderful experience. We had a lot of difficulties — there were scorpions, spiders . . . We actually got to live all the events that we went through. The script was an optional type of thing; we just went rogue a lot,” Alkusay said.

“Even though in our culture we don’t celebrate Halloween, for all those people here who do, this is the perfect Halloween movie, and it’s made in Arabic as well,” she said.

The movie falls under this newly established local genre, preceded by other Saudi films such as the 2016 film Madayen, the 2018 short film “Don’t Go Too Far,” and the 2022 thriller “Kayan,” which premiered in theaters last month. Another movie, written by the GEA’s Chairman Turki Alalshikh, titled “The Cello,” wrapped up filming last year and is said to premiere in 2022.

“I think what makes (this film) special is that it’s not purely horror, there’s comedy and adventure and some thrillers. The found footage style in general makes it realistic, and this realism shocks or scares the audience. This is what I love about the movie,” co-director Yaser B. told Arab News.

Ultimately, the movie proves that Saudi creators have the talent and passion for taking on all film genres. With direct support for arts and entertainment from the government under the goals of Vision 2030, this film demonstrates only the beginning of Saudi filmmakers’ abilities.

“The first thing we need from the Saudi audience is to believe in Saudi films,” Yaser said.

His brother Talha seconded this: “They should believe more in Saudi stories and Saudi talent instead of giving all the talent or the money to (others). There is goodness in our people; there are stories, there is talent, so give them a chance to create.”

The film has toured multiple festivals, winning the prize for “Best feature film” at the Faten Hamama festival and “Best cinematography” at the NICE International Film Festival in France. It was also selected for the Malmo Arab film festival and the Red Sea International Film Festival.


SFD funds specialized hospital in Zambia with $135m

Updated 27 December 2024
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SFD funds specialized hospital in Zambia with $135m

  • The project seeks to establish a specialized gynecological and pediatric hospital with 800 medical beds

RIYADH: The Saudi Fund for Development has signed an additional development loan agreement worth $35 million for the construction of the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Specialized Hospital in Zambia, raising the total SDF funding for the hospital to $135 million.

The agreement was signed by SFD CEO Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad and Minister of Finance and National Planning of the Republic of Zambia Situmbeko Musokotwane in a ceremony attended by Saudi Ambassador to Zambia Ali Al-Qahtani, the Saudi Press Agency reported Friday.

The project seeks to establish a specialized gynecological and pediatric hospital with 800 medical beds in an area of over 200,000 square meters.

The facility will contribute to enhancing specialized healthcare, providing healthcare training, and improving the standards of health services in Zambia, ultimately alleviating financial pressures on beneficiaries.

Al-Marshad, accompanied by Musokotwane and Al-Qahtani, visited the hospital project site to observe the ongoing construction.

Since 1978, the SFD has supported Zambia with over $170 million in financing for various development projects and programs across essential sectors, aimed at fostering social growth and economic prosperity.

The SFD was established to advance sustainable economic development in the world’s least developed countries by leveraging the Kingdom’s resources to provide financial, technical and human support to meet the needs of its partners.


Kuwait’s crown prince meets foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia and other GCC nations

Updated 27 December 2024
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Kuwait’s crown prince meets foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia and other GCC nations

  • Meeting takes place on sidelines of 46th extraordinary meeting of GCC’s Ministerial Council, during which ministers discuss developments in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza

RIYADH: The crown prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, met the Saudi minister of foreign affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and the foreign ministers of other Gulf Cooperation Council member states at Bayan Palace in Kuwait City on Thursday

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 46th extraordinary meeting of the GCC’s Ministerial Council, during which ministers and other officials discussed the latest developments in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza.

They stressed the need to uphold Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the aftermath of the fall of President Bashar Assad’s regime this month, and condemned Israeli authorities for their attacks against Syria and Lebanon.

They also affirmed the GCC’s support for the Palestinian people and called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.


Makkah’s cultural gem offers journey through history and faith 

Updated 27 December 2024
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Makkah’s cultural gem offers journey through history and faith 

  • Hira Cultural District has books, gifts and special cuisine
  • ‘Revelation Exhibition’ focuses on messages to prophets 

MAKKAH: As winter arrives, the Hira Cultural District in Makkah, a landmark destination combining history, knowledge and services for tourists, has emerged as a hub for residents and visitors seeking cultural and recreational experiences. 

At the heart of the district lies the “Revelation Exhibition,” which vividly narrates the story of divine messages to the prophets. It features a section focused on the life of Prophet Muhammad and the significance of Hira Mountain. 

Using cutting-edge audiovisual technology, the exhibition is an immersive and enriching journey through Islamic history, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The district’s cultural library offers a treasure trove of information on the history of Makkah and Madinah, the life of the prophet, and the legacy of Hira Mountain and its surrounding areas.

This knowledge can be explored through books, scientific references, and interactive displays. 

Beyond its historical and educational appeal, the cultural district constitutes a vibrant destination for leisure and commerce.

Restaurants and cafes serve a mix of local dishes inspired by Makkah’s heritage alongside international cuisine, while shops offer unique gifts and souvenirs reflecting the district's identity. 

The Saudi Coffee Museum adds a distinctive flavor to the experience. Here guests can savor traditional Saudi coffee while learning about its regional variations and preparation methods. 

For those seeking adventure, the district provides access to the Cave of Hira via a specially paved pathway, allowing visitors to connect with the site’s spiritual and historical significance. 

A visitors’ center provides comprehensive information on the district’s features, services and cultural offerings.


Saudi attorney general holds talks with Turkish counterpart in Makkah

Updated 27 December 2024
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Saudi attorney general holds talks with Turkish counterpart in Makkah

MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s attorney general, Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib, praised the strong relationship between the Kingdom and Turkiye as he welcomed a delegation led by his Turkish counterpart, Muhsin Senturk, to Makkah on Thursday.

The officials discussed legal collaborations between their nations and affirmed their desire to enhance judicial cooperation to serve common interests, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


Indulge in the magical wizarding World of Harry Potter at Riyadh Season

Updated 27 December 2024
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Indulge in the magical wizarding World of Harry Potter at Riyadh Season

  • The pop-up experience offers fans of all ages an immersive opportunity to step into the magical universe of witches, wizards and muggles

RIYADH: Harry Potter: A Riyadh Season Adventure is one of the many enthralling and enchanting experiences on offer at Riyadh Season this year.

The pop-up experience, brought to life by Warner Bros., offers fans of all ages an immersive opportunity to step into the magical universe of witches, wizards and muggles.

Set in the vibrant Boulevard City, the area is designed to showcase some of the most iconic locations from the beloved film series, such as Hogwarts and others.

Interactive technology plays a significant role in the experience. Guests can take part in a Great Hall Sorting Experience, where they find out which Hogwarts house they belong to, and engage in Quidditch activities, as well as practice their Quaffle skills on the pitch.

There is also a zone where visitors can try wands and cast magical words they learned from the film series, like “Expecto Patronum.”

For those looking to take a piece of the magic home, the Wizarding World Shops offer exclusive merchandise, ranging from wands to house scarves, and the Three Broomsticks Food Hall offers refreshing drinks, cupcakes and other desserts.

Costumes are a big part of the fun experience, and there is a dedicated area for shopping, ensuring that everyone can find the perfect outfit to enhance their visit.

Maram Al-Ruwaili, a passionate fan dressed as a Slytherin, shared her excitement: “I’ve been a Potterhead since 2003. Now at 31, I still consider myself a big fan. I’ve tried one Harry Potter experience before, but not in Saudi Arabia.

“This time, sitting in the Great Hall, surrounded by sound effects from the films, made it feel like we were true Hogwarts students. The atmosphere, especially with the Dementors and Christmas sounds, was magical.”

The event has attracted a diverse crowd, including international visitors.

Nanditha Krishnakumar, an enthusiastic attendee from India, expressed her love for the experience: “I’ve adored Harry Potter since childhood, and this is truly amazing. It feels so lifelike and brings my dreams to life. I love Slytherin; it might seem like an evil house, but it’s one of my favorites. I can’t wait to see what else is in store.”

Aisleen de Asis, a nurse who has lived in Saudi Arabia for almost a decade, shared her perspective: “Harry Potter is a significant part of my childhood. I heard about this experience from friends and colleagues who enjoyed it, and I had to check it out myself. Being here brings back so many nostalgic memories.”

The Harry Potter experience at Riyadh Season also celebrates community and shared passion.

Fans from various backgrounds are coming together to relive the magic of their childhood, creating connections through their love for the series.

The excitement is palpable, as visitors share their stories, dress up as their favorite characters, and take part in the interactive activities that bring the magic of the books and films to life.

Whether you are a longtime fan or new to the series, the magical experience is not to be missed.