New Muslim SVOD Qalbox eyes for content in MENA

Bitsmedia introduces Qalbox, a global subscription video on demand (SVOD) entertainment streaming service that hosts a library of content that celebrates Muslim identities and cultures worldwide. Currently, Qalbox is also seeking more programs from MENA regions and participated for the first time in MIPCOM Cannes. The Co-CEO, Fara Abdullah, was in Cannes to share about Qalbox which was recently launched in July inside the Muslim Pro app.

“Qalbox is open to all content formats. Scripted, unscripted, factual, documentary, feature films, children’s, sports, series and specials. Our key consideration is finding content that connects to our Muslim audience through its stories, characters, settings, and experiences. One of the reasons we’re here at MIPCOM is because Turkey is one of our fastest growing entertainment markets and we are looking to leverage great Turkish content for Qalbox. Additionally, we are eyeing content from the MENA or GCC region as well,” said Fara.

Apart from being global entertainment for Muslims worldwide, Qalbox footing aims to increase Muslims’ visibility and portrayal on screen, putting Muslim cast at its forefront or as lead characters. According to The Muslim Blueprint, although 25% of the world’s population is Muslim, only 1% of TV characters are Muslim and although Muslims are one of the world’s most racially and ethnically diverse groups, 66.7% of Muslim characters portrayed were Middle Eastern/North African ethnicities.

NEW CONTENT
To date, Bitsmedia has acquired content from six out of seven continents including North and South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, as well as Oceania. Recently, Qalbox has acquired the Emmy-nominated animation series, "Burka Avenger", dubbed in English. The children’s animated series from Pakistan introduces a burqa-clad superheroine as a lead character. “What platforms like Qalbox do is that they help to break down barriers, build bridges, dispel some of the stereotypes against Muslims and then one can see, okay, well, you know, the truth is, no matter what your beliefs are, we’re all really the same people with the same goals which is peace and love,” says Haroon Rashid, series creator and director of "Burka Avenger" at Unicorn Black.

Fara Abdullah, the co-CEO at Bitsmedia said, “The cartoon uses ironic symbolism – the burqa, which is commonly regarded as a symbol of subservience, is considered as strength, and Jiya uses books and pens as weapons, implying that knowledge is the most powerful form of weapon of all. 'Burka Avenger' is a stunning show from both an animation and storytelling perspective. We are always on the lookout for shows with themes that Muslims could resonate with,” .

Bitsmedia is also slated to produce original content for Qalbox, with one being made in Singapore while another coming out of Malaysia as well as Latin America – both in the pipeline for the next twelve months.