Latest news with #PhoenixWatersProductions
Egypt Today
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Youssef Omar joins the international cast of Bizhan Tong's British-Chinese thriller Shashou
Youssef Omar, a fast-emerging Egyptian actor who arrives hot off three widely-watched roles during the recent Ramadan peak television season, will star opposite Debby Ryan — known for her roles in several Disney Channel series and the Netflix show Insatiable — in Bizhan Tong's upcoming British-Chinese thriller Shashou. Other international cast members will be confirmed soon. Shashou is set in the shady world of ex-special forces, where outcasts Kelly Frost, Rachel Chan, and Inferno unite to stop a billionaire's plot to destabilize Hong Kong. Amidst secrets and shifting alliances, trust is their only hope, as the mysterious 'Shashou' watch from the shadows. The film is being produced and directed by Bizhan Tong, a British producer, screenwriter, and film director who is the founder and CEO of Phoenix Waters Productions — a company dedicated to creating high-concept productions with global appeal. Charlie Wong (WARRIORS OF FUTURE), Michael Chuah (FIREFLY), Yu-Fai Suen (THE EYE), and Raimund Berens (SIEGE ON LIBERTY STREET) are also producing. Youssef Omar is a rising Egyptian actor known for his versatile roles and captivating performances. He gained widespread recognition with his breakthrough in the 2018 drama RAHIM and has since starred in popular series like SETAT BEIT AL-MAADI, where his portrayal of Timo El-Badry catapulted him to fame. Youssef has also successfully transitioned to the silver screen, featuring in high-grossing movies such as AWLAD HAREEM KAREEM and EL HAREEFA, with his appearance in the 45th CIFF entry MEEN YESADAQ further solidifying his status as an up-and-comer to watch out for.
See - Sada Elbalad
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Youssef Omar to Star in Hong Kong Action Thriller "Shashou"
Yara Sameh Rising Egyptian actor Youssef Omar has recently joined the cast of UK-Chinese action thriller "Shashou". Cairo-based MAD Solutions will release across Arabic-speaking territories. 'It's an Arab spin on the packaging strategy that Hollywood has long deployed,' said MAD Solutions co-founders Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab. 'We remain adamant that Arab creative talents should enjoy the same standing in the global entertainment market as their peers from other regions.' "Shashou" marks a first international role for Omar, who was seen most recently at home in the high-profile Ramadan series A Woman's Youth (Shabab Emraa), co-starring opposite Egyptian actress Ghada Abdel Razek. The movie is produced by Hong Kong's Phoenix Waters Productions together with London-based Berkeley Media Group and Ostara Pictures, with SC Films International handling worldwide sales. In addition to MAD Solutions coming on board as the film's MENA distributor, South Korea's Studio Target is joining forces as the Korean distributor. "Shashou" is set in the shady world of ex-special forces, where outcasts Kelly Frost, Rachel Chan, and Inferno unite to stop a billionaire's plot to destabilize Hong Kong. Amid secrets and shifting alliances, trust is their only hope, as the mysterious 'Shashou' watches from the shadows. The movie is being produced and directed by Bizhan Tong, a UK producer, screenwriter, and film director who is the founder and CEO of Phoenix Waters Productions, a company dedicated to creating high-concept productions with global appeal. Charlie Wong (Warriors of Future), Michael Chuah (Firefly), Yu-Fai Suen (The Eye), and Raimund Berens (Siege On Liperti Street) are also producing. Omar first gained widespread recognition with his breakthrough role in the 2018 drama "Rahim", followed by his role in the popular show "Women's Maadi House" (Sittat Bayt Al Maadi), about three women from the same household dealing with their husbands' infidelities. His big screen credits include "The Children Of Karim's Ladies" (Awlad Hareem Kareem), "Underdogs" (El Hareefa) and "Meen Yasadaq". Tong said he had cast Omar for Shashou on the basis of his on-screen presence, describing it as 'intense, layered, and magnetic'. 'I'm genuinely excited to direct him in Shashou, where his character plays a vital role in the story's emotional core. This film brings together talent from across continents to honor the legacy of Hong Kong action cinema while reimagining it for a global audience. I'm grateful to Mad Solutions for supporting ambitious, cross-cultural projects like those from Phoenix Waters — stories that bridge East and West and speak to audiences around the world,' he said. Omar said of the upcoming opportunity: 'I am humbled by everyone's confidence in me on my first international outing. It's every actor's dream to step out of their local industry, and what better way to do it than in a project like Shashou under a world-class director like Bizhan Tong. I simply can't wait to get started.' read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Arts & Culture Arwa Gouda Gets Married (Photos)
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Phoenix Waters, Studio Target Sign Tri-Regional Film-TV Partnership, Set ‘Shashou' (EXCLUSIVE)
Hong Kong's Phoenix Waters Productions and South Korea's Studio Target have inked a memorandum of understanding to bolster cross-border collaboration spanning Hong Kong, Korea and the U.K. The strategic alliance, revealed during Hong Kong FilMart, will focus on jointly developing, financing and producing films, series and microdramas — the latter being short-form digital content that has gained significant traction throughout Asia as vehicles for audience engagement and brand integration. More from Variety 'Drive My Car' Producer Backs First Feature From Sakamoto Yukari Isabel Sandoval Wraps 'Moonglow' Indonesian Actor Reza Rahadian Sets 'Pangku' Leading the partnership's initial slate is 'Shashou,' an international action thriller that pays homage to classic Hong Kong cinema while incorporating Western influences. Set to commence production later this year with a global cast, the project has already secured participation from Berkeley Media Group and Ostara Pictures, with SC Films International handling sales and MAD Solutions acquiring MENA rights. 'Amidst the various challenges facing the global film and media industry, I believe that our collaboration and innovation will be key to illuminating the future,' said Doyeon Julia Kim, CEO of Studio Target. 'Through this partnership, we will maximize diverse investment resources and production capabilities in each region, produce commercially successful content, and achieve global market expansion.' The alliance emerges against a backdrop of industry challenges. Hong Kong's film sector has been seeking new avenues for growth and international expansion, while Korea's industry grapples with sustainability issues amid escalating production costs and stagnant budgets. As part of the collaboration, Studio Target will handle the South Korean release of 'Tape' later this year, highlighting the growing synergy between the companies. Phoenix Waters Productions, recognized for East-West collaborations, has been instrumental in revitalizing Hong Kong cinema through projects like 'Tape,' 'Forensic Psychologist,' and 'The Audition.' Meanwhile, Studio Target has established itself as a powerhouse in South Korean film production, recently producing box office hit 'Hitman 2.' 'This partnership represents more than just a business deal — it's a commitment to building a sustainable future for Hong Kong and Korean cinema,' said Bizhan Tong, CEO of Phoenix Waters Productions. 'By combining our creative and production strengths, we aim to develop films and series that resonate on a global scale, showcasing the incredible talent and rich storytelling from these regions.' Both companies are inviting global investors, distributors, and industry leaders to participate in the initiative as they advance their slate of projects. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Oscars 2026: First Blind Predictions Including Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, 'Wicked: For Good' and More What's Coming to Disney+ in March 2025
