The film received production support from Neom, which provided assistance with crew, location scouting, logistics and on-the-ground production expertise.
Saudi independent film Hobal, directed by Abdulaziz Alshlahei, has made history as the fastest-growing independent film in the kingdom, surpassing 500,000 admissions within just four weeks.
Written by Mufarrij Almajfel, Hobal tells the story of a Bedouin family struggling with isolation in the aftermath of the Gulf War. The film features Ibrahim Al-Hassawi, Mishaal Almutairi and Mila Alzahrani.
Since its release on January 2, Hobal has sold 527,000 tickets and grossed SAR 21,633,556 (approximately $5.8m). It has maintained its dominance at the Saudi box office, holding the number one position for four consecutive weeks.
Following an opening week with 119,717 admissions, the film has continued to sell out screenings in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as rural areas, which accounted for over 20% of total ticket sales. Expanding its reach to Kuwait, the UAE, Oman and Bahrain on January 23, Hobal has already secured over 87,000 additional admissions in the region.
The film was produced by Shaf Studios, with Egypt’s Film Clinic and Peninsula Pictures Group serving as co-producers. Producer Sharif Almajali, p.g.a, led the production alongside executive producers Abdulaziz Alshlahei, Mofarij Almujfel, and Mohamed Al Turki. Hobal received support from the Daw’ Film Competition, the Saudi Film Commission, the Quality of Life Programme, and Neom, in addition to contributions from private sector partners.
Much of the film was shot at the newly established Bajdah Studios near Neom, as well as in the striking desert and mountainous landscapes along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast in Tabuk.
