The highly anticipated horror film, “Cello”, which was shot in Saudi Arabia by acclaimed filmmaker Darren Lynn Bousman, recently had its world premiere at the Muvi Cinema in Riyadh. This under-the-radar English and Arabic-language movie features an exceptional cast including Oscar winner Jeremy Irons, known for his role in “House of Gucci”, and Tobin Bell, famous for his role in the “Saw” franchise. Joining them are talented actors Samer Ismail and Elham Ali. The film, written by Turki Alalshikh, the current Chairman of the General Authority for Entertainment of Saudi Arabia, is a captivating tale that delves into the dark side of an aspiring cellist’s life.
As the plot unravels, the protagonist discovers that the true cost of his brand-new cello is far more sinister than he initially imagined. With the guidance of Bousman’s expert direction, “Cello” promises to deliver a chilling and spine-tingling experience to audiences. Known for his work in the “Saw” franchise, Bousman brings his unique style and storytelling prowess to this new project, ensuring a unique and unforgettable viewing experience.
“Cell” boasts an impressive production team, with Rozam Media, Alamiya, and Envision Media Arts coming together to bring this ambitious project to life. The film has already garnered significant attention, with over 15,000 tickets pre-sold for its upcoming opening weekend in the Arab region. The anticipation for “Cello” is only growing, as it prepares to make its debut in the United States on December 8.
A Night to Remember
The Saudi premiere of “Cello” was a star-studded affair, attended by the likes of Bousman and producer Lee Nelson. The cast, including Elham Ali, Samer Ismail, Suad Abdullah, Ibrahim Samman, Muhanad Al-Hamdi, Fahad Alqahtani, Baraa Alem, and Ghassan Massoud, were also present to celebrate this momentous occasion. The film’s co-producer, Raul Talwar, and executive producer, Niko Ruokosuo, joined the gathering, adding to the excitement.
International Collaboration
“Cello” stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. The production brought together a diverse and talented team of artists from across the globe. With a crew of 250 individuals hailing from countries such as the United States, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Canada, Italy, Egypt, Africa, India, Ireland, Tunisia, Jordan, Dubai, and the UK, this film truly represents a melting pot of cultures and creative perspectives.
Reflecting on the journey of creating “Cello”, director Darren Lynn Bousman expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work in various locations such as Saudi Arabia, Prague, and Ireland. He described the experience as a “fantastical adventure,” filled with unique and contrasting landscapes. Bousman also emphasized the privilege of collaborating with superstars from the Arab region, as well as the extraordinary addition of esteemed actors Jeremy Irons and Tobin Bell to the cast.
Final Thoughts
With an intriguing storyline, exceptional performances, and a multinational production, “Cello” is set to make a significant impact in the horror genre. Its world premiere in Saudi Arabia marks the start of an exciting journey for the film, as it prepares to captivate audiences worldwide. As December 8 approaches, anticipation builds for this dark and gripping cinematic experience. “Cello” is poised to become a cultural phenomenon, showcasing not only the talent of its cast and crew but also the potential of Saudi Arabian cinema.