‘Esaaf,' first Arabic film in IMAX, eyes global release
In a groundbreaking moment for Arabic cinema, 'Esaaf' has earned its place in history as the first Arabic-language film to be screened in IMAX. Blending heart-pounding action with sharp comedy, the film offers a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience that sets a bold new precedent for the region's film industry. By leading the charge, 'Esaaf' opens doors for Saudi and Gulf talent to push boundaries and craft original, high-impact stories.
Set in Riyadh, 'Esaaf,' meaning ambulance, follows two incompetent paramedics completely out of their depth, who unwittingly become embroiled in a kidnapping plot.
Since its release in Saudi cinemas, 'Esaaf' has quickly captured the hearts of both critics and audiences alike. Its fresh mix of action and humor has sparked enthusiastic discussions online and drawn crowds across the country — including many families, who are embracing the film's dynamic energy and enjoying the shared experience it brings to the big screen.
Supported by the General Entertainment Authority and Riyadh Season, 'Esaaf' is produced by Blacklight and House of Comedy in partnership with SMC.
Talal Al-Anazi, CEO and co-founder of Blacklight, said: 'We're delighted by the overwhelming response to 'Esaaf.' This success not only validates our efforts but also inspires us to explore more bold ideas and larger-scale productions.'
Lead actor Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj said: 'I've been blown away by the audience's reactions. Combining action and comedy through IMAX is something entirely new for local viewers, and I'm eager to see how it continues to evolve.'
Christopher Tillman, vice president of international development and distribution at IMAX, said: 'This title marks our first step into the exciting and rapidly growing Arabic-language film market, which is full of thrilling and entertaining stories we're eager to share with audiences. With a high-level production team and a gripping, humorous story, fans can experience this laugh-out-loud thrill ride with the crystal-clear image and immersive sound exclusive to IMAX locations.'
Behind the scenes, the production team has hinted at promising talks with international distributors — an exciting step that could see 'Esaaf' featured in global festivals and introduced to broader markets. The growing buzz around the film reflects a larger wave of excitement for Saudi-made content, reinforcing the Kingdom's rising influence on the global cinematic stage.
Executive Producer Peter Smith is exploring international distribution to further underscore the potential of Saudi cinema.
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