NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s visionary destination, will soon serve as the backdrop for Simon West’s upcoming epic historical drama, “Antara”. Renowned for works like “Con-Air” and “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider”, director Simon West is set to transform NEOM’s stunning landscapes into a cinematic masterpiece.
“Antara” tells the incredible true story of Antara ibn Shaddad, a sixth-century warrior who ascended from captivity to become Arabia’s greatest knight and most celebrated poet. Under Simon West’s direction, this film promises to redefine cinematic grandeur.
NEOM’s allure lies in its 468-kilometer pristine Red Sea coastline, offering unrivaled natural beauty for ‘Antara’ to leverage. Moreover, NEOM provides a hefty 40%++ cash rebate for a variety of productions, making it a financial draw for high-end films.
The heart of the film’s operations lies at NEOM’s Bajdah Studios, equipped with cutting-edge sound stages to seamlessly capture NEOM’s breathtaking landscapes.
“Filming in the homeland of the Banu Abs tribe ensures authenticity and supports the region’s budding film industry”
Simon West expressed his excitement, saying, “Bringing the story of Antara ibn Shaddad to the big screen is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Filming in the homeland of the Banu Abs tribe ensures authenticity and supports the region’s budding film industry.”
NEOM serves as a gateway to the MENA region for the media industries, offering confidence to international producers. It also provides work experience opportunities for local talent, fostering workforce growth.
In addition to “Antara”, NEOM hosts several other productions, including MBC’s TV drama series “Exceptional” and the Saudi feature film “Hobal”. This surge in cinematic activity reaffirms NEOM’s status as a global entertainment hub.
In summary, NEOM’s collaboration with “Antara” is rewriting the high-end travel script. With cinematic grandeur against awe-inspiring landscapes, NEOM is a destination worth exploring, where culture, beauty, and cinematic brilliance unite. Stay tuned for NEOM’s continuing impact on global entertainment.
