"HWJN"
The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea IFF) reveals the World Premiere of "HWJN", directed by Yasir Al Yasiri as the Opening Night Gala of 2023. Adapted from the best-selling Young Adult fantasy novel by Ibraheem Abbas, "HWJN" combines Arabian folklore elements of fantasy, blended with modern themes that to enthrall both regional and international audiences.
A co-production from Image Nation Abu Dhabi, MBC Studios and VOX Studios, HWJN demonstrates the progressive collaboration of creative voices shaping Saudi cinema. This screening will be introduced by the director and lead cast: Nour Alkhadra, Baraa Alem, Naif Aldaferi, Alanoud Saud, Mohsen Mansour and Shaimaa Al Tayeb.
Set in modern-day Jeddah, "HWJN" follows the story of a kind-hearted jinn. As he discovers the truth about his royal lineage, HWJN (Baraa Alem) sets off on an epic journey to reclaim his birthright, while battling ancient evils to maintain the harmonious balance between his world and ours. Along the way, he meets and develops an unexpected romantic connection with Sawsan (Nour Alkhadra), a young medical student.
"HWJN" is one of the biggest projects to date under a landmark production partnership launched in 2018 by Image Nation Abu Dhabi; MBC Studios, of MBC Group; and VOX Studios, three of the region’s most significant entities in the content and entertainment sector.
Antoine Khalife, Director of Arab Programs & Film Classics for the Red Sea International Film Festival, said: “Opening the festival with a highly anticipated film like HWJN is a momentous event. HWJN, a Saudi film produced by major studios, is adapted from a highly successful novel and brings together many Saudi actors for an original story that will undoubtedly captivate our audience. With HWJN, Saudi cinema proves its capacity to bring together talents from across the Arab world at both the production and artistic levels. Through this choice, the Red Sea not only honors Saudi cinema but also all Arab talents, highlighting the remarkable progress that the Kingdom has witnessed in recent times.”
Yasir Al Yasiri, Director of “HWJN”, said: “The story of HWJN is an epic tale of romance, adventure, and culture that has resonated with millions in Saudi and beyond. Bringing this beloved novel to life as a movie has been an extraordinary journey and a landmark achievement for regional cinema. It's profoundly meaningful for us to open this year’s Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah - the city where HWJN's story was born, and which plays a pivotal role in the narrative. This premiere is not just a tribute to the film's journey, but also to Jeddah's vibrant culture and history, which inspired us immensely. We are extremely proud of what we have created together and eagerly await the audience's reaction to seeing it on the big screen.”