Saudi Filmmaker Tawfik Alzaidi Plans to Shoot ‘Thuraya’ in 2026 as Red Palm Pictures Shifts Focus to Production

Tawfik Alzaidi, who achieved a historic milestone in 2024 as the first Saudi director to secure a spot in the Official Selection at Cannes with his debut feature Norah, is preparing to shoot his second film in 2026. The action-adventure movie, titled Thuraya, was initially announced as the first project in a four-picture deal between Alzaidi and Riyadh-based Red Palm Pictures during the third Red Sea Film Festival in 2023.

Norah premiered to acclaim at the festival in 2023 and later received a selection for Cannes’ Un Certain Regard in 2024, where it earned a special mention.

The company began its operations under the leadership of a former Universal Pictures executive, who noted that plans to shoot Thuraya in 2024 were delayed due to Norah’s Cannes success. "It helped put Tawfik and Saudi cinema on the map, but it also meant that the first year of Red Palm was spent consolidating Norah. It went to 17 festivals, won eight awards, and people are still interested," he remarked, highlighting that international distribution deals continue to emerge.

Red Palm Pictures has recently licensed Norah to China and is navigating the quota process for a potential release there next year. The company is also holding off on a TV and streaming deal in Saudi Arabia while theatrical interest remains active.

In 2025, the company plans to focus on development, lining up three projects set to begin shooting in 2026. "We’ve diversified our offering and are getting ready to pivot into production," explained the executive.

The upcoming productions include Thuraya, a primarily English-language film shot in Saudi Arabia in coproduction with a U.S. independent studio, a UK-based music-focused drama, and two television dramas. Like Norah, Thuraya benefits from the support of Film AlUla, which aids film production in Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO world heritage site and served as the backdrop for Alzaidi’s first film.

Set in the Bedouin community during the early 20th century—a period marked by regional changes as it consolidated under the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—Thuraya features a strong female lead. Alzaidi is committed to casting from the Bedouin community. "We’re about to move into pre-production and we’re currently casting as well. We’re really excited about it," said the executive.

The film aims for IMAX presentation and will feature a large score from a recognized composer, enhancing its cinematic qualities. "We believe it’ll be a film that will play in festivals. It’ll represent Saudi cinema really well," he added.

Production will be overseen by Donall McCusker, producer of the upcoming Red Sea documentary Human Tide and credits that include The Hurt Locker. "He understands the region. He knows a lot of the crews. He’s going to be boots on the ground, helping us run everything," stated the executive.

Plans for the other projects remain under wraps, but the English-language production, also directed by Alzaidi, is expected to commence filming next year. "We’re casting in the States at the moment. I can’t say anything more than that," he commented, noting that their U.S. partners are enthusiastic about collaborating with Alzaidi.

The company is expanding its scope beyond focusing solely on Alzaidi’s landscape by developing a third feature based on an original idea from one of the undisclosed owners of Red Palm Pictures, which has been adapted into a screenplay by UK writer Anna Southgate. Described as a music-based film featuring a diverse set of characters, this project aims to reflect broad cultural and social narratives.

Additionally, Red Palm Pictures is committed to fostering talent in Saudi Arabia through its RuWAAT creative community program, which provides training and mentorship for various film industry professions. "We just launched it. Ruwaat means storytelling. We know we need to train screenwriters, actors, producers, and directors," said the executive. The initiative includes workshops led by collaborators and aims to nurture the skills necessary for upcoming projects. "It will continue to roll out this coming year… it’s just the beginning."