Under the deal, the two companies will develop, produce and theatrically release multiple films over the next two years.
Rise Studios, an entertainment company driving investment in content from regional markets, has signed a multiple-picture deal with Lagoonie Film Production, an Egyptian company founded by producer Shahinaz Elakkad.
Founded in 2017, Lagoonie Film Production has produced a list of award-winning films that include Feathers, by Omar El Zohairy, which won four global awards, including the Grand Prize and the FIPRESCI award at the Cannes Film Festival.
Rise Studios is based in Dubai Media City and has already invested in companies across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Beirut, the UAE and the US including Partner Pro, Different Productions, ASAP, Black Typhoon and Watan Network.
Under the terms, the two companies will develop, produce and theatrically release multiple films over the next two years with a diverse mix of genres, including rom-com, drama and comedy starring blockbuster talent. Production of the first film has already started in October and is a family comedy titled Careful What You Wish For (Saaet Ejabah) written by Mohamed Kheidr and Shereen Alaa and directed by Mostafa Abou Seif, featuring Selim Mostafa, a child actor known for his role as Younis in the TV series WHY NOT?! (LEEH LAA?!) and a group of actors including Mourad Makram, Ghada Adel, Naglaa Bader, and a special appearance for the Sawsan Badr. The film is set to launch in early 2023.
Further feature films will include a romantic drama based on the Egyptian novel (Anf wa Thalathat Ouyoun) by Ihsan Abdel Quddous, adapted by Wael Hamdy, set to launch in 2024.
Lagoonie and Rise Studios share the same vision to produce high-quality regional content with fresh and original topics, delivering the type of content that audiences are looking for to put the regional Film and TV Industry on the global stage.
Commenting on the deal, Amanda Turnbull, CEO of Rise Studios, said: “We are very excited about signing a multiple-picture deal with Lagoonie Film Production, a trailblazing production company with a track record in producing award-winning regional content. We are deeply committed to support and nurture homegrown talent to unlock the region’s potential to create breakthrough content and are enthused by the feature films set for release as part of this deal.”
Shahinaz Elakkad added: “Our partnership with Rise Studios will support us champion our stories that will leave lasting impressions, since we do not create films for the sake of the industry, but to reach out to people and showcase our stories and culture.”