Rising Riyadh-based independent studio Telfaz11 and newly launched UK distribution label Metis Films are partnering to release Saudi hit Mandoob in the UK and Ireland.
The contemporary drama follows the mishaps of Fahad Algadaani, a Riyadh-based night courier (mandoob) who gets caught in the crosshairs of the city’s underworld as he tries to raise money for his father’s medical bills.
The movie, has enjoyed a successful run at home, drawing 630,000 spectators since its release last December. It success follows in the wake of Telfaz11’s hit freestyle wrestling comedy Sattar.
Mandoob is the first film of Telfaz11 co-founder Ali Kalthami, who previously achieved fame at home for his viral YouTube videos which racked up billions of views ahead of the lifting of Saudi’s 35-year cinema ban in 2017.
“When we created the story of Mandoob (Night Courier), we focused on appealing to local audiences. However, after its major success in the box office in Saudi Arabia and its global tour, we are proud to see the film resonating with global audiences too. We hope that UK and Ireland moviegoers would relate to Fahad’s character and his story,” said Kalthami.
Metcalf launched UK and Ireland distribution label Metis Film in April, having previously worked in distribution and exhibition at Curzon/Artificial Eye, Momentum, eOne and Altitude, where he was involved in the release of than 200 films, including Nightcrawler, Mr, Turner, and I, Daniel Blake.
“Metis Films are delighted to be partnering with Telfaz11 to release the Saudi smash hit Mandoob (Night Courier). This edge-of-your seat, propulsive thriller is exactly the type of film that Metis wants to be releasing, I am honoured that it’s our first release and proud to be bringing it to UK and Irish cinemas,” said Metcalf.
Metis Films will kick off the release on August 30.
Mandoob world premiered in Toronto last year and then played a number of international festivals, including Glasgow where it made its UK premiere. The film also enjoyed a packed local premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah last December, ahead of its Saudi release.
The film is produced by Telfaz11 Studio with the supporte of the Red Sea Film Foundation Fund and Muvi Studios.
Executive producers are Alaa Faden, Wael Abumansour, Mohammed Alhamoud, and the film’s producers are Abdulrahman Jarrash Al-Qahtani alongside Chawki Knis Penned by Ali Kalthami and Mohammed Algarawi.
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