Unveiling the inspiration behind 'hajjan', filmed at Neom’s
desert
Mohamed Hefzy, the Egyptian producer, shares his excitement
about the Neom desert region, which served as the breathtaking backdrop for Abu
Bakr Shawky's camel-racing masterpiece, 'Hajjan.' Reflecting on his Neom
experience, Hefzy expresses admiration for the stunning landscapes and the
unwavering support from Neom's Media team throughout the project.
'Hajjan,' an Arabic term for 'jockey,' unfolds as a
coming-of-age adventure set in the Bedouin realm of camel races. The narrative
follows a teenage boy facing challenges when tragedy befalls him, compelling
him to embark on a journey to rescue his cherished camel, Hofira. Premiering at
the Toronto International Film Festival in September and anticipating its
regional debut at the Red Sea International Film Festival, 'Hajjan' stands as
one of the first films to be shot in Neom in November 2022.
Renowned
Saudi director Abdulaziz al-Shlahei to shoot new feature 'Hobal' in NEOM
The filming locations extended beyond Neom to the nearby
town of Tabuk, Jordan's Wadi Rum, and the capital, Amman. Hefzy commends Neom's
adaptability and problem-solving capabilities, crucial for optimizing
production conditions in a novel destination.
Hefzy, the founder of Cairo-based Film Clinic, known for
international and local hits, collaborated with the servicing company Yellow
Camel and Jordanian producer Rula Nasser's The Imaginarium Films. While Neom
didn't provide a cash rebate, it offered substantial in-kind support, including
catering, accommodations, equipment, facilities, and logistical assistance,
contributing significantly to the film's production.
Neom's strategic location, just over an hour's drive from
Tabuk's international airport, played a pivotal role in the decision to shoot
'Hajjan' in the region. Hefzy emphasizes the convenience of travel to Neom,
with an international airport that now connects directly to Dubai and London,
with plans for additional destinations in the pipeline.
Trailer
unveiled for first Saudi film shot in NEOM
The film features Saudi actors in key roles, with
Abdulmohsen Alnemr leading the cast, and Saudi extras facilitated by Yellow
Camel. Hefzy acknowledges the challenges of finding diverse extras in Saudi due
to the nascent state of cinema in the country but appreciates the effort to
showcase local talent.
Looking ahead, Hefzy expresses eagerness to return to Neom
for upcoming film projects. He reveals his involvement in co-producing films
scheduled to shoot partly or entirely in Neom in the coming months,
underscoring the region's growing significance in the film industry.
Source: https://www.screendaily.com/
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