Osama Al Khurayji's 'Siwar' Set as Saudi Film Festival Opener

Saudi director and producer Osama Al Khurayji's debut feature "Siwar" has been selected as the opening film of the upcoming Saudi Film Festival, which is the oldest-running film event in the kingdom. The film was primarily shot in AlUla, the swathe of northwest Saudi Arabia comprising ancient artifacts, a lush oasis and sandstone canyons that's becoming a burgeoning local film production hub. In "Siwar," AlUla stands in for Najran, the city in southwestern Saudi Arabia near the Yemen border.

The drama delves into the dynamics of how the lives of Yaner, a Turkish father played by Serkan Genç ("The Game-Hiyleger Axmaqlar"),...



Nick Vivarelli.