Sony Pictures Classics has acquired the rights to “Unidentified,” the latest film from acclaimed Saudi filmmaker Haifaa Al Mansour. The contemporary Saudi-language thriller, currently in post-production, has been pre-bought by Sony Pictures Classics for distribution in North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, and worldwide airlines.
The film stars Mila Al Zahrani and Shafi Al Harthi in a gripping tale that begins with the discovery of a teenage girl’s body in the desert. When no one comes forward to claim the body, Noelle Al Saffan, a true crime enthusiast dealing with her own personal tragedy, becomes determined to uncover the truth. As the investigation unfolds, Noelle finds herself delving into a mystery that is intertwined with a society in flux, where women are striving for greater independence.
Haifaa Al Mansour expressed her excitement about working with Sony Pictures Classics again, stating, “SPC championed my very first film ‘Wadjda’ at a time when cinema was not yet legal in Saudi Arabia. I am thrilled to collaborate with them once more to bring another female-focused story to audiences during this transformative period in Saudi Arabia.”
Sony Pictures Classics praised Al Mansour’s talent, calling her one of the world’s most exciting filmmakers. They anticipate that “Unidentified,” a mystery-thriller with a strong narrative, will resonate well with audiences and perform successfully in theaters upon its release.
The partnership between Sony Pictures Classics and Al Mansour follows the success of “Wadjda,” a groundbreaking film that made history as the first feature shot entirely in Saudi Arabia and directed by a Saudi Arabian woman. The film garnered critical acclaim, representing Saudi Arabia’s first entry for Best International Film at the Academy Awards and earning a nomination for a BAFTA Award.
“Unidentified” is produced by Al Mansour Establishment in collaboration with Rotana Studios, with support from the Daw Program through the Film Commission, KSA. The distribution deal was facilitated by Sony Pictures Classics, with UTA Independent Film Group and Memento International representing the filmmakers in negotiations.
As anticipation builds for the release of “Unidentified,” audiences can look forward to experiencing another thought-provoking and culturally significant work from the talented Haifaa Al Mansour. The film promises to engage viewers with its compelling storyline and thematic exploration of societal evolution in Saudi Arabia.