DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CNN) — The president of the Saudi Entertainment Authority, Turki Al-Sheikh, announced on Wednesday that Egyptian artist Ahmed Helmy will star in a new film project in the Kingdom, set to begin filming in late 2024.
Sheikh shared the news in a video posted on his official X account, saying, “We are very excited to have the legendary Ahmed Helmy in one of our films. Filming will begin in late 2024 or early 2025.”
He added: “The movie, ‘Big Scam,’ will follow two major fraud operations in the kingdom: one during the gaming tournament season and the other targeting people during Umrah and Hajj.” The video also revealed that the film will be a comedy and titled “Al-Nono.”
In the video, released by Turki Al-Sheikh, Egyptian artists Ahmed Helmy and Karim Abdel Aziz, director Marwan Hamed, and other individuals appear. Al-Sheikh interacts with the guests in a playful manner, discussing the substantial prize for the E-Sports World Cup, which kicked off in the Saudi capital on July 3 and will run until August 25.
Al-Sheikh jokingly called for a “boycott of all” Karim Abdel Aziz’s films. Karim laughed and responded, “I also call for a boycott of all my films.”
The head of the Saudi Entertainment Authority had previously posted a photo on Tuesday featuring himself with Karim Abdul Aziz, director Marwan Hamid, Ahmed Helmy, and others, sparking fan speculation about a third project in the works. This photo, combined with the announcement of a new film project, suggested that the third project was in its final stages, possibly related to the film “Blue Elephant.” Al-Sheikh’s announcement of a new film project, however, seems to indicate that this new project will be a separate endeavor, fulfilling a longstanding dream to bring filmmaking to Saudi Arabia.
Ahmed Helmy’s New Film Project in Saudi Arabia: “Al-Nono”
Saudi Arabia is becoming a hub for international film projects, and the latest addition to the list is Egyptian actor Ahmed Helmy’s new film “Al-Nono”, which is set to begin filming in late 2024. The news was announced by Turki Al-Sheikh, the president of the General Entertainment Authority, in a video posted on his official X account.
The film is a comedy that follows Ahmed Helmy as he embarks on two major fraud operations in Saudi Arabia. The first operation takes place during the gaming tournament season, while the second targets Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. The film promises to be a hilarious take on these real-world events.
A Star-Studded Cast
In addition to Ahmed Helmy, “Al-Nono” features a star-studded cast that includes Egyptian actor Karim Abdel Aziz and director Marwan Hamed. Al-Sheikh’s video shows the actors discussing the film project in a playful atmosphere, which is sure to generate excitement among fans.
The film’s concept is unique and intriguing, combining humor with real-world issues such as gaming and religious pilgrimage. It is a testament to the growing international appeal of Saudi Arabia as a location for film production.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Film Industry
This film project is another example of the Saudi Arabian government’s commitment to developing a thriving film industry in the Kingdom. The establishment of the General Entertainment Authority has resulted in significant investments in film production infrastructure and talent development, making Saudi Arabia an even more attractive destination for international filmmakers.
Benefits of The Film Industry’s Growth
The rise of film production in Saudi Arabia has several benefits, including:
- Job creation: The film industry creates numerous jobs in various sectors, including acting, directing, production, and technical support.
- Economic growth: Film production contributes significantly to the economy by attracting investment, generating revenue, and boosting tourism.
- Cultural exchange: The collaboration between Saudi and international filmmakers facilitates cultural exchange and understanding.
- International visibility: Film production in Saudi Arabia helps showcase the Kingdom’s culture, heritage, and potential on a global stage.
Ahmed Helmy’s Career
Ahmed Helmy is a renowned Egyptian actor known for his comedic roles. He has starred in numerous successful films, including “Saad and Zaatar”, “Keda Reddy”, and “Mr. and Mrs. El-Kheir”. His comedic timing and versatility have made him a beloved figure in the Egyptian film industry and beyond.
The Future of Saudi Cinema
The Saudi government’s ambitious plans for the entertainment industry are attracting world-class talent and projects, creating a dynamic and exciting future for Saudi cinema. With “Al-Nono”, as well as other upcoming projects, Saudi Arabia is poised to become a major player in the international film landscape.
Keywords
Here are some keywords related to this article:
- Ahmed Helmy
- Al-Nono
- Saudi Arabia
- Film Industry
- Entertainment
- Turki Al-Sheikh
- General Entertainment Authority
- Karim Abdel Aziz
- Marwan Hamed
- Egyptian Cinema
- Comedy
- Gaming
- Umrah
- Hajj
Table: Upcoming Films in Saudi Arabia
| Film Name | Director | Cast | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Nono | Marwan Hamed | Ahmed Helmy, Karim Abdel Aziz | Comedy |
| Blue Elephant 3 | Marwan Hamed | Karim Abdel Aziz, Nelly Karim | Thriller |
| The Journey | Amr Salama | Menna Shalaby, Ahmed Ezz | Drama |