Best Upcoming Arab Films 2024
By: Masha Lukovenko / Arab America Contributing Writer
Arab cinema has seen a remarkable rebirth in recent years, with Middle Eastern artists justifiably taking center stage. This phenomenon has been further amplified by the growing popularity of streaming services like Netflix and OSN, making the forthcoming year a brilliant showcase for Middle Eastern talent. The 2024 roster celebrates the rich storytelling and artistic talent from the center of the Arab world, with everything from suspenseful dramas to sweeping masterpieces.
Here’s a list of some fantastic Arab films and TV series to look forward to and enjoy in the next year, whether you’re in the market for some lighter fun or a thought-provoking discovery.
HWJN
This fantastic fantasy movie is based on a young adult book by Saudi author Ibraheem Abbas and incorporates aspects of Arabic culture and mythology into a contemporary setting. HWJN tells the tale of a good-hearted Jinn who unexpectedly bonds with a young medical student named Sawsan. After revealing his secret, he embarks on a fantastic quest to keep the balance between Sawsan’s world and his own, complete with adventures and conflicts with legendary foes. HWJN, directed by Yasir Al Yasiri, kicked off the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia.
HWJN is all set to release on January 4, 2024
Finding Ola Season 2
The beloved comedy show Finding Ola, starring Tunisian-Egyptian actress and lawyer Hend Sabry, is expected to return on Netflix with a new season in 2024. The slice-of-life TV show is adapted from Hend’s hit comedy show Ayza Atgawez, which follows the story of a woman obsessed with the idea of marriage. Finding Ola now focuses on Ola’s life after her recent divorce, leading her on a messy up-and-down journey to self-discovery. The release date for Finding Ola Season 2 is yet to be announced. Stay tuned for more updates.
My Driver and I
The narrative of a young Saudi lady named Salma, who comes from an affluent family, and Gamar, a Sudanese man who moves to Jeddah to work as Salma’s driver, is told in the late 1900s film My Driver and I. As time passes, the two discover that they are growing closer to one another. OSN TV and OSN+ will air and webcast this tale of finding family and a place to call home in the most unlikely locations. Ahd Kamel is the writer and director of the movie, and Yellow Camel and Millimeter, two Jeddah-based production companies, are co-producers.
Blue 52
Blue 52, the feature debut of Egyptian producer and director Ali El Arabi, combines elements of fantasy and reality. The film tells the tale of Ashish, a young Indian child who longs to meet his favorite football hero and escape the constraints of his stern father. Ashish, encouraged by his mother, leaves his birthplace of Kochi to travel to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup in hopes of seeing Messi, giving him his first taste of life outside the country. In the movie, Neha Dhupia and Adil Hussain, two Bollywood actors, will portray the boy’s parents. Originally intended to be a documentary, the film is now a scripted feature.
Frawla
This is a new comedy show that will also premiere during Ramadan. It will have 15 episodes in total. The show’s plot will remain a mystery until further notice, with little to no information about the script having been disclosed. The excitement is heightened because Hisham Ashour and Nelly Karim, the famous Egyptian couple, will make their first joint appearance after getting married. Hisham will portray a character who experiences mental struggles, giving the comic program a sense of realism. Frawla is expected to be released sometime during March 2024.
Baba Geh
Baba Geh tells the tale of a guy who one day wakes up from a deep slumber to find strange sayings written all over his body. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the sentences are actual. Actor and musician Akram Hosny from Egypt will appear in this fantasy comedy. This new Ramadan TV series, which will be produced by Karim Abu Zekry, directed by Khaled El Halfawy, and written by Ihab Blibl, will have 15 episodes.
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