EXCLUSIVE: Director Haifaa Al Mansour will head back home to Saudi Arabia to shoot her crime feature Unidentified, which explores women’s experiences during this era of rapid social transformation in her home nation.
Al Mansour stated her delight at returning home to Saudi Arabia with her third film exploring Saudi women and how their hidden lives affect men, using criminal mystery genre to explore complex themes related to female empowerment in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Pre-production for “Thirty Seconds to Midnight” has begun and shooting should commence soon. UTA Independent Film Group and Memento International will co-sell and launch this project at Cannes this May.
Noelle Al Saffan is drawn into this drama after discovering the lifeless body of a teenage girl in a remote desert location outside a small town. When no one claims her remains, true crime enthusiast Noelle becomes obsessed with finding out the details surrounding its discovery – having recently experienced grief over losing a child herself.
Noelle is determined to discover what happened after her daughter’s sudden and mysterious death despite time pressure, uncovering an intricate web of clues within a traditional society in transition, where women are learning how to create more space for themselves and take charge of their destinies. She uncovers secrets within an underground network where crime lords hold power – slowly unravelling mysteries hidden amongst it all.
“Women in Saudi Arabia are experiencing significant transformation, so I’m eager to lead audiences on an adventurous exploration as we discover clues pointing toward an unexpected death of one of their young women,” Al Mansour expressed excitement over making his film a worldwide experience.
Wadjda made history when it premiered at Venice Horizons sidebar and represented Saudi Arabia at the Oscars. It won her numerous accolades.
Al Mansour quickly rose to international cinematic stardom thanks to her film’s successful festival run and global box office take-up, leading to English-speaking films Mary Shelley (starring Elle Fanning ) and Nappily Ever After for Netflix.
Al Mansour returned to Saudi Arabia shortly after its 35-year cinema ban was lifted at the end of 2017, to make The Perfect Candidate, which premiered at Venice Film Festival as well as being entered for Oscar consideration for Saudi Arabia.
Unidentified is co-written and produced by Al Mansour and Brad Niemann who also co-wrote The Perfect Candidate, producing it together at Rotana Studios Middle East.
“Memento International is delighted to collaborate with such an accomplished director.”
Unidentified is an electrifying crime thriller packed with twists and surprises, tackling social issues through entertainment while engaging audiences worldwide. Haifaa Al Mansour will add yet another milestone to her already impressive filmography with this masterpiece of storycraft.”
Al Mansour is represented by UTA, Anonymous Content and Paul Hastings.
