MBC and Image Nation strike production pact

O3 Productions, the production arm of MBC Group, and Abu Dhabi prodco Image Nation have inked a film and TV deal and will jointly work up new projects.

The first project, under this new partnership, is the adaptation of author Ibraheem Abbas’ best-selling novel sci-fi HWJN into an Arabic-language feature film, to be co-produced and co-financed by both companies.

There will also be a television spin-off of the feature entitled The Delusionists, as well as two further television series, with details to follow.

The Delusionists will, the producers said, offer a unique take on modern Saudi and Arab society and follow two main The pair track down and expose the charlatans and fake peddlers of black magic and sorcery in modern day Saudi Arabia which has reached epidemic levels.

Fadi Ismail, group director of 03, said: “We are delighted with our collaboration with Image Nation Abu Dhabi, thus integrating our efforts, expertise and production vision, which will ultimately contribute to uplifting and enhancing the artistic direction and production value of Gulf dramas in general and Saudi dramas in particular”.

Ben Ross, head of narrative film and television at Image Nation, said: “The new strategic partnership between Image Nation and MBC is a further indication of our shared commitment to producing high-quality Arab language film and television for the Arab world.”

“This move reinforces Image Nation’s position as a valued production partner in the region and adds to our already robust slate of programs across film and television.”

The novel HWJN is a pop culture phenomenon in Saudi Arabia and across the Arab world, having topped bestseller lists across the Gulf. There has also been over one million illegal downloads.

HWJN tells the story of the friendly, devout Jinn, HWJN, and his friendship with a human Saudi female medical student called Sawsan. As their connection deepens, breaking the barriers and dimensions between the human and Jinn worlds, the scene is set for an epic showdown with the evil Jinn ruler Sanam.