A Landmark Co-Production Between MBC Studios and JB Pictures
The film’s main scenes were shot in NEOM and Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Starring Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Sir Ben Kingsley — directed by Rupert Wyatt
Desert Warrior, the spectacular co-production between MBC Studios and JB Pictures, has been selected for its world premiere at the Zurich Film Festival.
Running from 25 September to 5 October, the festival will showcase the film on 28 September. Desert Warrior brings together an exceptional international and Arab cast, including Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Sir Ben Kingsley, Sharlto Copley, Ghassan Massoud, Sami Bouajila, Lamis Ammar, Géza Röhrig, and others.
The film, directed by Rupert Wyatt, was primarily shot on location in the Saudi cities of NEOM and Tabuk. Its screenplay was written by Wyatt in collaboration with Erica Beeney and David Self.
This project marks the largest cinematic production ever undertaken by MBC Studios, as well as the first major global feature of its scale to be filmed in NEOM with the support of NEOM’s Media Industries sector, which is positioning itself as a hub for world-class regional, international, and local productions.
About the Film
Set in the 7th-century Arabian Peninsula, the story follows a time when rival tribes fought for dominance. Brave Princess Hind (Aiysha Hart), daughter of King Al-Nu’man (Ghassan Massoud), refuses to become the concubine of the arrogant Sassanian emperor Khosrow (Sir Ben Kingsley). She flees with her father into the desert, pursued by Khosrow’s ruthless enforcer Jalbazin (Sharlto Copley) and his bloodthirsty soldiers. Forced to trust a mysterious thief (Anthony Mackie), Hind rallies the feuding tribes against the invading Sassanian army. In a climactic battle at Dhi Qar, she forges a new destiny for Arabia — an epic stand whose echoes reverberate through history.
Filmmakers, Cast, Production & Distribution
Desert Warrior is produced by Jeremy Bolt (Resident Evil franchise, Monster Hunter, Polar) for JB Pictures.
Global sales are handled by AGC International, the worldwide sales and distribution arm of AGC Studios.
The film bears the signature of acclaimed British director Rupert Wyatt, renowned for works such as Rise of the Planet of the Apes and The Mosquito Coast. In addition to directing, Wyatt co-wrote the screenplay alongside Erica Beeney (Captive State) and David Self (Road to Perdition).
The production received support from the Saudi Film Commission through its cash-rebate incentive program and the Quality of Life Program, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to shaping and advancing its cinematic industry.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essafi)
