Get ready to witness history in the making! Saudi cinema is on the brink of another groundbreaking moment as Tawfik Alzaidi, the trailblazing director who shattered barriers in 2024 as the first Saudi filmmaker selected for the Cannes Official Selection with his debut feature Norah, is set to embark on his next cinematic adventure. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: Alzaidi’s sophomore film, Thuraya, is slated to begin production in 2026, marking a pivotal shift for Red Palm Pictures as they dive headfirst into full-scale production.
Announced in 2023 as the flagship title in a four-picture deal between Alzaidi and the Riyadh-based Red Palm Pictures, Thuraya promises to be an action-packed adventure set against the backdrop of the Bedouin community in the early 20th century—a tumultuous era as the region unified under the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. And this is the part most people miss: the film will not only showcase Alzaidi’s signature storytelling but also feature a strong female lead, a recurring theme in his work, with casting focused on talent from the Bedouin community he proudly calls home.
Speaking at the Red Sea Film Festival, Red Palm Pictures CEO Paul Chesney revealed that Thuraya is now in the casting phase, with plans to shoot next year. But why the delay? Here’s the controversial twist: the film was originally slated for 2024, but Norah’s unexpected Cannes success—including a special mention in the Un Certain Regard category—shifted priorities. While Norah put Saudi cinema on the global map, it also meant Red Palm’s first year was dedicated to consolidating its success, with the film traveling to 17 festivals, winning eight awards, and securing international deals, including a recent license to China.
Chesney shared, “We’ve just licensed it to China and are navigating the quota process. Hopefully, we’ll see a release there next year. We’ve done everything we can to maximize its reach.” But the question remains: Is the global appetite for Saudi cinema sustainable, or is it a fleeting trend?
Red Palm Pictures isn’t stopping at Thuraya. The company is diversifying its slate with three ambitious projects set to shoot in 2026, including a Saudi-shot, English-language film co-produced with a U.S. indie studio, a UK-set music-driven drama, and two TV series. Chesney emphasized, “We’re pivoting into production and expanding our offerings. It’s about building a robust pipeline of stories that resonate globally.”
One of the most intriguing projects is a UK-based, English-language film penned by award-winning writer Anna Southgate, based on an original idea from one of Red Palm’s undisclosed owners. But here’s the bold question: Can a Saudi production company successfully produce a UK-centric film without losing its cultural identity? Chesney seems confident, stating, “It’s a purely UK-based project, but it aligns with our vision of telling diverse stories.”
Behind the scenes, Donall McCusker, producer of the 2025 Red Sea documentary Human Tide and The Hurt Locker, will oversee Thuraya’s production. Chesney praised, “He understands the region and knows the crews. He’ll be boots on the ground, ensuring everything runs smoothly.”
Beyond filmmaking, Red Palm Pictures is investing in Saudi Arabia’s future talent through its RuWAAT creative community program, offering training, mentorship, and internships across the film industry. “RuWAAT means storytelling,” Chesney explained. “We’re building the next generation of screenwriters, actors, producers, and directors. It’s just the beginning.”
As Thuraya gears up for production, one thing is clear: Tawfik Alzaidi and Red Palm Pictures are not just making films—they’re shaping the future of Saudi cinema. But what do you think? Is Saudi cinema poised for global dominance, or is it still finding its footing? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
