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Exclusive: The Red Sea International Film Festival has announced its seven honorees for its annual Women in Cinema Gala, which spotlights contributions of female filmmakers, creators, actors and executives to the entertainment industry.

This year’s roster includes Zambian-Welsh writer-director Rungano Nyoni; South Asian actress Jacqueline Fernandez; Egyptian actress Amina Khalil; Saudi actress Elham Ali; Thai actress Engfa Waraha; Syrian filmmaker Gaya Jiji; and Saudi filmmaker and artist Sarah Taiba.

Established in 2022, the Women in Cinema Gala is an annual event hosted by the Red Sea Film Foundation in Cannes during the film festival, at the iconic Du Cap Hotel. As part of the event, a cohort of women who are making waves in their careers across the Arab world, Asia and Africa are selected each year.

Nyoni is a Zambian-Welsh director, screenwriter and actress, who gained recognition with her early shorts, including The List, which won a BAFTA Cymru Award,...

Netflix announced that Love Is Blind: Italy, an adaptation of the original Love Is Blind, is coming. This new addition will become part of the Love Is Blind franchise, joining other countries such as the UK, Habibi, Germany, Sweden, Argentina, Japan and Brazil. The American version premiered in 2020 and has become one of the most successful dating experiments, with over seven seasons available for streaming on Netflix. Love Is Blind US has been so good that it was renewed for season 8, and it's expected to debut in February 2025.

Love Is Blind: Italy will still follow the same format as the original show. Singles from Italy will meet and interact in the pods without outside interaction. They will later get engaged and meet for the first time before facing the real-world realities of trial marriages, including resistance from friends and family. If their connection is strong enough, Love Is Blind: Italy couples will exchange their vows.

Love Is Blind: Habibi season 1 was so good that fans can't wait to see the reunion and figure out which couples are together and what they've been up to. The international spin-off, adopted from the American version of Love Is Blind, had contestants from the Middle East and North Africa, with the renowned actor couple Khaled Saqer and Elham Ali as the hosts. It debuted on October 10, releasing all nine episodes full of drama at once.

The Arabic version of Love Is Blind had six proposals, with three walking down the aisle and only one getting married. Love Is Blind: Habibi was full of juicy drama, heartfelt confrontations, and heated arguments, contrasting the lackluster of Love Is Blind season 7. The cultural diversity intertwined with the contestants brought a different vibe to the Love Is Blind franchise. Ahead of the Love Is Blind: Habibi reunion, here's what to expect.

When...

Mohamed "Simo" Nasrollah managed to grab attention as soon as he joined Love Is Blind: Habibi, and it's time to talk about his breakup with Hajar Asli. Love Is Blind: Habibi premiered on October 10 and was hosted by celebrity power couple Elham Ali and Khaled Saqer. 20 singles joined the experiment ready to find their partners, with the participants coming from different parts of Africa and the Middle East. It followed the same format as the original Love Is Blind, where contestants fell in love before meeting for the first time.

Simo and Hajar formed an incredible connection in the Love Is Blind pods and got engaged. However, their relationship was full of ups and downs. Simo, 34, had previously expressed how crucial respect was for him before joining this social dating experiment. Therefore, when Hajar made a tasteless joke, Simo wasn't pleased, and his reaction shocked the viewers and Hajar, who later apologized.

Netflix's dating experiment Love Is Blind's taken the world by storm, from Sweden to Brazil to the UK, and now, there's a new installment of Love Is Blind: Habibi - it will premiere this October with a new cast. The celebrity couple, Elham Ali (a Saudi actress) and her husband, Khaled Saqer, will host this brand-new Arabian version, assisting the couples in finding their soulmates. Love Is Blind: Habibi will follow a format similar to the original Love Is Blind, which has been a guilty pleasure since its premiere. The participants will build a connection in the pods without ever meeting.

If two people choose to get engaged, they will meet in person for the first time. The only difference will be that Love Is Blind: Habibi will consider cultural sensitivities and customs throughout the filming process. The local traditions and culture depicted on the show will...

What to Watch on Netflix This Weekend? The Best New Releases to Binge-Watch at Home - Main Image

Bored and looking to slack all day long on the TV? Here's a list of the top 10 best new releases on 'What to Watch on Netflix' this weekend!

From animation remakes to romance and reality series, check out what's new on the streaming platform this October 2024:

Ranma 1/2 (2024)

Rumiko Takahashi remakes one of the classic '80s anime, Ranma 1/2, and began streaming its first two episodes on Netflix last October 5.

Old fans and new are sure to enjoy how Ranma Saotome navigates his martial arts journey with his new fiancée, Akane Tendo, as they venture off to inherit both of their family's dojo.

Here's the tricky part: Ranma and his father are also on this journey to reverse their curse of falling into ancient hot springs.

The Menendez Brothers

There's...

Love Is Blind: Habibi is officially coming to the screens this fall, bringing in the drama and romance while emphasizing the nuances of Arabic culture and customs. Since this social experiment debuted in 2020, Netflix has been smashing it when it comes to offering a pleasurable show that keeps people hooked on their screens. The series promises all the familiarity of the American version of Love Is Blind but with an incredible yet distinctive cultural twist.

Love Is Blind: Habibi season 1 will join the growing number of reality shows that have been getting their Middle Eastern franchises, including The Real Housewives Of Dubai and Dubai Bling, adapted from The Real Housewives and Bling Empire franchises, respectively. Similar to other versions of Love Is Blind, the Middle Eastern edition will start with the singles entering the pods, dating, getting engaged, and later meeting for the first time. Here are more details on...

Netflix has announced the Arabic-language adaptation of its hit unscripted series, Love Is Blind with Love Is Blind: Habibi. The original United States version of the show premiered in 2020 on Netflix. It chronicles the journeys of single men and women who agree to participate in a social experiment designed to test out the age-old theory that love is blind. The format has also been adapted for Sweden, Brazil, and Japan, and is currently in the works in the UK, Germany, and Mexico.

The word "Habibi" means "darling" in Arabic, and Love Is Blind: Habibi will be filmed in the United Arab Emirates. It will feature the usual format where 30 singles begin the 10-episode show by dating each other from behind a wall. The hope is that, since participants can't see each other, they won't be distracted by looks and will focus instead on what matters. Participants pair up, then propose to their chosen person,...

The Cello is a supernatural horror film about a talented musician who discovers a new instrument that enhances his abilities. Director Darren Lynn Bousman took on the project because he enjoys taking risks and working on unique and challenging films. The movie was shot in Saudi Arabia, which was an unconventional location for Bousman, but he found it to be an exciting and inspiring experience.

Written by Turki Al Alshikh, The Cello is currently available in theaters nationwide. The supernatural horror is in both Arabic and English and follows a talented musician named Nasser, who feels as if his current instrument hinders his abilities. When he is given an antique cello, Nasser's talents take on new life. However, he refuses to acknowledge that his recently developed skills come at a cost.

Darren Lynn Bousman serves as the director of the film and is most well-known for his work on the Saw franchise.

It was only a decade ago that the first feature film to entirely shoot in Saudi Arabia was released — and it was directed by a woman. 2012's Wadjda remains an excellent film, and initiated the slow-drip of a New Saudi Cinema that has included the phenomenal pictures The Tambour of Retribution and The Perfect Candidate. Netflix just released a Saudi film, Alkhallat+. Politics aside, the kingdom is obviously transforming itself through a cultural renaissance of sorts, a modernizing effort that is attracting businesses and artists alike. Darren Lynn Bousman is now one of them.

Bousman is the director behind four films in the Saw franchise, the bombastic horror musical masterpiece Repo! The Genetic Opera, underrated recent films like Abattoir, and genuinely innovative immersive theater experiences like One Day Die. This Midwestern horror maestro is not the first person you'd expect to embed himself in Saudi Arabia and make an Arabic film,...

Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II-iv, Spiral) is back with brand new horror movie The Cello, which will release here in North America on December 8. While you wait, Bloody Disgusting has been provided with an exclusive clip today, previewing three full minutes of the film.

Jeremy Irons is featured in this extended clip from Bousman’s The Cello, which gives us a bloody sneak peek at the terrifying power of the titular Cello. Watch it down below.

The Cello tells the story of a cellist who finds out his new cello comes with a centuries old curse. The film is written by Turki Alalshikh, a best-selling poet, musician and lyricist, based on his novel, and is produced by Rozam Media, Alamiya, and Envision Media Arts.

After the recent premiere, Director Darren Lynn Bousman said, “Getting to experience the movie in Riyadh with a packed audience was surreal. I have been so...

Santa Isn't Real: "After suffering a brutal attack on Christmas eve, a young woman, Nikki, struggles to convince her friends that the assailant was none other than Ol' Kris Kringle. When Santa returns to terrorize the group in their remote cabin the next Christmas, Nikki and her friends must overcome disbelief as they fight to stay alive."

Written and Directed by: Zac Locke (The Voyeurs, Black Christmas) Country of Origin: USA Language: English Genre: Horror Distributor: XYZ Films Run Time: 76 minutes Cast: Scarlett Sperduto, Dana Millican, Kaya Coleman

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The Cello: "Like many musicians, accomplished Saudi cellist Nasser (Samer Ismail) has aspirations for greatness, though he feels like he’s held back by the old, dilapidated instrument he’s forced to play. When Nasser is offered the chance to take possession of a gorgeous red cello by a mysterious shop owner (Tobin Bell), he finds new inspiration both for his playing and for his composing.

'The Cello' is a horror movie directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, featuring Tobin Bell and Jeremy Irons. The film follows the story of a Saudi cellist who obtains a new cello, unaware of its dark history, leading to horrifying events. Bousman, known for his work in the Saw franchise, brings his expertise in the genre to 'The Cello,' making it a highly anticipated film for horror fans.

Saw director Darren Lynn Bousman teams up with franchise star Tobin Bell for The Cello, his next horror movie, coming to theaters on December 8th. Music can be a blessing but also a curse. The Cello presents the story of Nasser, a Saudi cellist who feels frustrated because he has great aspirations but his instrument, an old and worn cello, does not allow him to demonstrate his full potential. So, when the opportunity arises to obtain a new, much newer and more refined instrument,...

Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II-iv, Spiral) is back with brand new horror movie The Cello, which had its World Premiere on September 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the Muvi Cinemas on famed Riyadh Boulevard. The film will release in North America on December 8.

While you wait, check out a fresh teaser trailer for The Cello below.

The Cello tells the story of a cellist who finds out his new cello comes with a centuries old curse. The film is written by Turki Alalshikh, a best-selling poet, musician and lyricist, based on his novel, and is produced by Rozam Media, Alamiya, and Envision Media Arts.

After the premiere, Director Darren Lynn Bousman said, “Getting to experience the movie in Riyadh with a packed audience was surreal. I have been so lucky in my career to shoot all over the world and Cello took me to Saudi Arabia, Prague & Ireland. It was...

Two years have passed since we heard that filming had wrapped on The Cello (formerly known as simply Cello), the latest horror project from director Darren Lynn Bousman – whose credits include Saw II, Saw III, Saw IV, and Spiral: From the Book of Saw. Now a trailer for The Cello has finally arrived online, along with the information that the movie is going to be receiving a theatrical release on December 8th! You can watch the trailer in the embed above.

Filmed in Saudi Arabia and the Czech Republic, The Cello is told through a mixture of English and Arabic. The screenplay was written by Turki Al Alshikh, the chairman of the General Authority for Entertainment in Saudi Arabia, and is based on his first novel, which was published in 2021. The story centers on accomplished Saudi cellist Nasser, who has aspirations for greatness, though he feels like he’s held back by the old,...

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live: "AMC Networks announced tonight that The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, the highly anticipated next series in the Walking Dead Universe, will premiere Sunday, February 25, 2024 on AMC and AMC+. A new teaser for the series, which stars Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira as beloved Twd characters Rick Grimes and Michonne, was also released during tonight’s series finale of Fear the Walking Dead.

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live presents an epic love story of two characters changed by a changed world. Kept apart by distance. By an unstoppable power. By the ghosts of who they were. Rick and Michonne are thrown into another world, built on a war against the dead... And ultimately, a war against the living. Can they find each other and who they were in a place and situation unlike any they've ever known before? Are they enemies?...

"This cello is a true find... those that hear it, weep..." Destiny Entertainment has unveiled an official trailer for a mystery horror film titled The Cello, the latest film from acclaimed horror filmmaker Darren Lynn Bousman. This is actually a Saudi Arabian production, featuring a story about a talented Saudi cellist. Based on the book by Turki Al Alshikh, The Cello, stars Jeremy Irons, Tobin Bell (the Saw series), Syrian actor Samer Ismail and Saudi actress Elham Ali, in the story of an aspiring cellist who learns the cost of his brand-new cello is a lot more insidious than he first thought. The film was shot on location in Saudi Arabia and the Czech Republic. It almost seems like this is a live-action horror version of that fantastic Futurama episode "The Devil's Hands Are Idle Playthings", where Fry swaps with the (Robot) Devil's hands so he can play his music better,...

Arabic cinema often seems to follow the same blueprint for its movies. This blueprint frequently features a family settling into a new home, only to discover it’s plagued by Djinn or a man seeking wealth who strikes a bargain with these supernatural beings. Or where a Djinn materializes to punish those who’ve failed to honor their deals. As a result, the horror plays out like a repetitive tune. In Mahmoud Kamel’s latest horror thriller, The Prisoner (or Al Sajeen in Arabic), this design remains intact. The story centers around a family seeking comfort in their new home, hoping to escape the haunting memories of their past. Little do they realize that the horrors they’ll find in this house will eclipse any pain they’ve endured before.

Spoilers Ahead

Why Did Rawan And Ammar Move Into A New House?

The Prisoner begins with a middle-aged man shooting a woman in the back.

Hammer Films Annoucnes October Release for Doctor Jekyll: "Hammer Films is thrilled to announce the theatrical release of B Good Picture Company’s Doctor Jekyll exclusively in UK cinemas from 27 October 2023.

Directed by Joe Stephenson featuring an impressive cast including Eddie Izzard, Scott Chambers, Lindsay Duncan and Simon Callow, Doctor Jekyll’s UK-wide release marks the first release for the recently resurrected Hammer, following its acquisition by theatre and entertainment mogul John Gore.

Bringing a modern twist to the critically adored tale, Doctor Jekyll will receive its red-carpet premiere at London’s iconic Odeon Leicester Square on 11 October. The film was also selected to play at FrightFest London 2023 where an initial cut of the film was screened as part of the festival’s line-up.

A modern interpretation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella ‘The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Doctor Jekyll, is a reimagining of the...

Cello, the under-the-radar English and Arabic-language horror movie shot in Saudi Arabia by Saw filmmaker Darren Lynn Bousman received its world premiere this week at the Muvi Cinema in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Oscar winner Jeremy Irons (House of Gucci) and Saw star Tobin Bell lead the cast alongside Syrian actor Samer Ismail (The Day I Lost My Shadow) and Saudi actress Elham Ali (Ashman) in the story of an aspiring cellist who learns that the cost of his brand-new cello is a lot more insidious than he first thought.

The film was written by Turki Alalshikh, the current Chairman of the General Authority for Entertainment of Saudi Arabia. The film was produced by Rozam Media, Alamiya, and Envision Media Arts. Producers report the film has pre-sold over 15,000 tickets for the upcoming opening weekend in the Arab region. The pic will debut stateside on December 8.

The Saudi premiere was attended by Bousman and producer Lee Nelson (The Ice Road). Others in attendance included stars Elham Ali, Samer Ismail, Suad Abdullah, Ibrahim Samman, Muhanad Al-Hamdi, Fahad Alqahtani, Baraa Alem, and Ghassan Massoud as well as co-producer Raul Talwar and executive producer Niko Ruokosuo.

“Getting to experience the movie in Riyadh with a packed audience was surreal. I have been so lucky in my career to shoot all over the world, and Cello took me to Saudi Arabia, Prague & Ireland,” Bousman said following the debut screening.

“It was such a fantastical adventure getting to work and play in such different and unique areas. We had the great fortune to work with superstars of the Arab region. Then, add Jeremy Irons and Tobin Bell into the mix it & was a once in a lifetime experience.”

Nelson added: “The production was comprised of an international team of artists from all over the world. Our 250-person crew came from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Canada, Italy, Egypt, Africa, India, Ireland, Tunisia, Jordan, Dubai, and the UK. It was such a humbling experience to be at the center of so many talented people at the top of their trade. It was a truly global collaboration.”...

U.S. director Darren Lynn Bousman’s English and Arabic-language horror film “The Cello,” starring Jeremy Irons and “Saw” star Tobin Bell, is set to open theatrically across Saudi Arabia on Thursday, marking a significant moment in the kingdom’s moviemaking ambitions.

The high-end chiller, about a cellist who finds out his new instrument comes with a centuries-old curse, is generating local buzz and robust ticket pre-sales following its gala premiere on Sept. 8 at Riyadh’s Muvi Cinemas multiplex.

Bousman – who is best known for his work on the “Saw” franchise – attended the “Cello” launch along with several of the film’s Arab stars, including Saudi actress Elham Ali and Syrian actor Samer Ismail (“The Day I Lost My Shadow”), plus the film’s U.S. producer Lee Nelson (“The Ice Road”), co-producer Raul Talwar and exec producer Niko Ruokosuo.

“Getting to experience the movie in Riyadh with a packed audience was surreal,...

Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II-iv, Spiral) is back with brand new horror movie Cello, which just had its World Premiere on September 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the Muvi Cinemas on famed Riyadh Boulevard. The film has already pre-sold well over 15,000 tickets for the upcoming opening weekend in the Arab region and will release in North America December 8.

While you wait, check out some first-look images from Cello below. The first two are being exclusively shared by Bloody Disgusting, while the others were sent out to press today.

Cello tells the story of a cellist who finds out his new cello comes with a centuries old curse. The film is written by Turki Alalshikh, a best-selling poet, musician and lyricist, based on his novel, and is produced by Rozam Media, Alamiya, and Envision Media Arts.

After the premiere, Director Darren Lynn Bousman said, “Getting to experience the movie in Riyadh...

Last year, we shared a first look at Tobin Bell and Jeremy Irons in Darren Lynn Bousman’s newest horror offering, Cello.

Now, we have an exclusive new shot from the upcoming horror film as well as details on Bousman’s crazy side project, Attic Acquisitions, which offers fans a chance to own some truly unique collectibles.

First, Cello, which stars Academy Academy Award, Tony, Emmy, and SAG Award winning actor Jeremy Irons and Saw‘s Tobin Bell, tells story of an aspiring cellist who learns the cost of his brand-new cello is a lot more insidious than he first thought. Syrian actor Samer Ismail and Saudi actress Elham Ali also star.

“This movie has been a beast,” Bousman tells us when we asked about the film’s progress. “We finally finished it a few weeks back and are currently in the middle of a deal for its release. So,...

There is huge investment in the Saudi locations infrastructure but what is the reality on the ground?

If you build it, will they come? Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in creating a world-class locations hub. But what is the reality of shooting in this vast country of which little is still known?

Less than four years after it lifted its ban on cinemas, Saudi Arabia’s aim of becoming the Middle East’s foremost filming location seems to be bearing fruit with two major Hollywood movies shooting in the country. The cameras have just started rolling on Thunder Road’s...

Exclusive: Here are your first look images of Jeremy Irons (House of Gucci) and Saw star Tobin Bell in recently-wrapped horror movie Cello, which we brought you news of last week.

Filming completed last week on the under-the-radar English- and Arabic-language feature, which was filmed in Saudi Arabia and Czech Republic by Saw filmmaker Darren Lynn Bousman.

Also starring are Syrian actor Samer Ismail (The Day I Lost My Shadow) and Saudi actress Elham Ali (Ashman), in the story of an aspiring cellist who learns that the cost of his brand-new cello is a lot more insidious than he first thought. Pic is scripted by Turki Al Alshikh, based on his novel.

The film heralds from The Ice Road producer Lee Nelson of Envision Media Art. Exec producers include Sultan Al Muheisen and Niko Ruokosuo of Saudi outfit Alamiya and David Tish for Envision Media Arts. The movie was financed by Saudi firm Rozam Media,...

Exclusive: Here’s an interesting one. Production has just wrapped on Cello, an under-the-radar English- and Arabic-language horror movie shot in Saudi Arabia by Saw filmmaker Darren Lynn Bousman.

Oscar winner Jeremy Irons (House of Gucci) and Saw star Tobin Bell lead cast alongside Syrian actor Samer Ismail (The Day I Lost My Shadow) and Saudi actress Elham Ali (Ashman), in the story of an aspiring cellist who learns that the cost of his brand-new cello is a lot more insidious than he first thought. Pic is scripted by Turki Al Alshikh, based on his novel.

The film, shot on location in Saudi Arabia and the Czech Republic, heralds from The Ice Road producer Lee Nelson of Envision Media Art. Exec producers include Sultan Al Muheisen and Niko Ruokosuo of Saudi outfit Alamiya and David Tish for Envision Media Arts. The movie was financed by Saudi firm Rozam Media, which...