EXCLUSIVE: Telfaz11 has acquired Saudi distribution rights for The Vile, the psychological horror-thriller from Emirati director Majid Al Ansari.
The film, which is the first Arabic-language title produced under the Spooky Pictures-Image Nation partnership, had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest this month, where it was awarded the Best Film accolade in the festival’s horror competition.
Mandoob and Sattar outfit Telfaz will also retain post-theatrical rights for the MENA region. AGC International and Cinetic Media handle worldwide sales, with VOX Cinemas distributing theatrically in the UAE.
Pic is produced by horror veterans Roy Lee (Weapons), Steven Schneider (Strange Darling), Derek Dauchy (Late Night with the Devil), Rami Yasin (Hokum), and executive producers Mohamed Hefzy (Voy! Voy! Voy!) and Yasir Al Yasiri (Hwjn).
The synopsis reads: “Amani’s peaceful life as a wife and mother shatters when her husband brings home a second wife, unleashing mysterious dark forces into their household.” Emirati actress Bdoor Mohammad (Blood Wedding) stars with Saudi actress and filmmaker Sarah Taibah (Jameel Jeddan) and Iman Doghoz (Makr).
The Vile, set to have its international premiere at Sitges before screening at the London Film Festival, will open in UAE cinemas on October 30, ahead of its Saudi release in November.
Ben Ross, CEO of Image Nation Abu Dhabi, said: “We’re proud to partner with Telfaz11 to bring The Vile to audiences across Saudi Arabia. Telfaz11 is behind the most successful Saudi film releases of all time, and we look forward to working with them on this incredible film. Following its successful launch at Fantastic Fest, the film is a bold step in regional storytelling that blends cultural identity with globally resonant genre cinema, and we’re excited for audiences across the region to watch it.”
Alaa Faden, Chairman and CEO, Telfaz11, added: “We are committed to championing bold regional stories that resonate both locally and globally. The Vile is a milestone in Arab genre cinema, led by Majid, one of the key voices of our region, whose vision, with the support of Image Nation, has been celebrated on a global level. We are proud to contribute to bringing this film to audiences across the region, confident they will connect with, relate to, and truly appreciate The Vile as it makes its way home.”
Director Majid Al Ansari commented: “It’s an honour to have the cretaive visonaires behind Telfaz11 support the release of The Vile and bring it new audiences across the region. While the story is grounded in the traditions and complexities of our culture, it carries a universal language of suspense and emotion that resonates beyond borders. To see an Arabic horror film embraced on an international stage like we saw at Fantastic Fest, and now coming home to UAE and Saudi cinemas is both humbling and inspiring.”
