The epic feature film “Desert Warrior” captivated audiences and earned critical praise following its Middle East premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah.
The film, a major production collaboration between MBC Studios and JB Pictures, features a star-studded international and Arab cast, including Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Sir Ben Kingsley, Sharlto Copley, Ghassan Massoud, Sami Bouajila, Lamis Ammar, and Gzã Rohrig. The screenplay was penned by Robert Wyatt, Erica Bey, and David Self.
To mark the occasion, the MBC Group hosted a premiere reception and red carpet event, where the film’s stars and creators met with press and fans amidst significant media attention. The premiere also drew numerous international celebrities attending the festival.
In subsequent press interviews, cast members present—including Aiysha Hart, Ghassan Massoud, Sharlto Copley, Said Boumazoughe, Omar Al-Attawi, and director Robert Wyatt—shared insights from filming key scenes in the Saudi regions of NEOM and Tabuk. They expressed pride in returning to Jeddah to celebrate the film’s inclusion in the festival, which was met with an enthusiastic public and media response.
Notably, “Desert Warrior” is the first large-scale international production filmed in Saudi Arabia’s NEOM, supported by NEOM’s Media Industries sector—a hub designed to boost regional media production. The film also received backing from the Saudi Film Commission through its Financial Rebate Incentive Program and the Quality of Life Program, initiatives aimed at shaping and strengthening the future of the Kingdom’s cinema industry.
Film Synopsis:
Set in 7th century Arabia, “Desert Warrior” follows the courageous Princess Hind (Aiysha Hart), daughter of King Al-Nu’man (Ghassan Massoud). Refusing to become a consort to the arrogant Sassanid Emperor Khosrow (Sir Ben Kingsley), she flees with her father into the desert. They are pursued by Khosrow’s ruthless agent, “Jalbezin” (Sharlto Copley), and his forces, forcing the pair to place their trust in a mysterious rogue (Anthony Mackie). Against all odds, Hind unites the warring tribes against the invading Sassanid army. The ensuing epic confrontation at the Battle of Dhi Qar forever alters the destiny of the Arabian Peninsula, leaving a legacy that echoes through history.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essaafi)
