Saudi director Mahmoud Sabbagh, known for his internationally acclaimed film Barakah Meets Barakah, is set to release his third feature film titled Last Party In R. Desert on May 9th. The movie, shot in Saudi Arabia, promises to push boundaries and offer a unique perspective on the changing landscape of the country.
Last Party In R. Desert is a dark comedy that follows the story of Najm, a cash-driven local impresario, and his music troupe as they navigate professional challenges in contemporary Saudi Arabia. The film takes place over one night filled with twists, turns, and disruptions, highlighting the struggles faced by the characters. The cast includes Abdullah Albarrak as Najm, Marwa Salem as Cola, Sami Hanafi as Silver, and Radwan Jifri as Tarefi.
Sabbagh wrote, directed, and produced the film under his Jeddah-based El-Housh Productions in collaboration with Nine Projects, a boutique production company based in Cairo and Dubai. Front Row Arabia is handling distribution in Saudi theaters, while the Arab Radio and Television Network (ART) will be the digital distributor across the MENA region.
Mahmoud Sabbagh made history with his film Barakah Meets Barakah in 2016, as one of the first feature films to be shot in Saudi Arabia after the country’s 35-year cinema ban began to ease. The romantic comedy, starring Hisham Fageeh and Fatima Al-Banawi, received critical acclaim and was Saudi Arabia’s second entry to the Oscars. Although it was not nominated, the film was later acquired by Netflix. Sabbagh’s second feature, Amra and the Second Marriage, premiered in Cairo in 2018 and was well-received by audiences.
In addition to his work in filmmaking, Sabbagh also opened Cinema El-Housh in 2019, the first official art house cinema in Jeddah. The cinema has played a crucial role in promoting cinema culture in the city and providing a platform for independent and international films. Sabbagh briefly served as the head of the Red Sea International Film Festival but stepped down to focus on his filmmaking career after the event was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Overall, Mahmoud Sabbagh’s upcoming film Last Party In R. Desert is poised to continue his legacy of pushing boundaries and offering a fresh perspective on contemporary Saudi Arabia. With a talented cast, an intriguing plot, and Sabbagh’s unique vision, the film is sure to make a mark in the world of cinema.