Netflix draws curtains on ‘Six Windows in the Desert’

Netflix, the world's leading streaming entertainment service, has exclusively acquired six award winning short films from Telfaz11 Studios which will be available for viewers in 190 countries starting Thursday 27 February. To be released under the name “Six Windows in the Desert,” the short films made by Saudi creators aim to shine a light on thought-provoking subjects with a focus on social themes.

The movies shine light on topics that are universal in nature; social taboos, extremism and the human psyche are among the issues viewers can expect to watch. Not only will “Six Windows in the Desert” offer global audiences a lens into the perspective of the Saudi creators, but also through the eyes of film characters with their own take on storytelling.

Nuha ElTayeb, Director of Content Acquisition at Netflix, said: “ It is our strong belief that a great story can come from anywhere and be loved everywhere. With the vast number of local talents and creators all over the world, the potential for diverse and interesting stories is endless. We are excited to bring “Six Windows in the Desert” to our subscribers across 190 countries, where they will have exclusive access to captivating and intriguing stories from the Arab world.”

Alaa Fadan, Chief Executive Officer at Telfaz11 Studios, said: “It brings us immense pride to have six of our short films brought onto Netflix. We are excited to bring the work of local Saudi talents to 167 million subscribers around the world. Telfaz11 Studios produces  authentic and intriguing stories from our culture, and we cannot wait for the world to see what we have to offer.”

The six short films, which will begin showing exclusively on Netflix starting Thursday 27 February, are:

• 27th of Shaban (2019): In the early 2000s, Mohammed and Nouf meet for a date; an act prohibited in Saudi Arabia. This film by Mohamed Al Salman shows how the date unfolds.
• Wasati (2016): Based on the true story of extremists attacking a play called Wasati bela Wastiah (A Moderate without Moderation) in Riyadh 10 years ago, the film retells the events from a different point of view. Directed by Ali Kalthami, Wasati won Best Director and Best Foreign Film at the Williamsburg Independent Film Festival in 2017.
• Is Sumyati going to Hell? (2016): A film through the eyes of Layan, the youngest child of a family who employs housemaid Sumyati. Having to deal with the racism of her employers, Sumyati tries to survive. Directed by Meshal Al Jaser, the film won Foreign Short Film at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards in 2017.
    
• Predicament in Sight (2016): A science-fiction short set in the 1970’s. Directed by Fairs Godus, survivors of a plane crash in an isolated desert area are forced to co-exist after multiple attempts to communicate with the outside world had failed.
• The Rat (2018): Fahad spends the last day of his life with the fear of his father looming over his head. Like a rat on a wheel, Fahad scurries through cycles of fear characterized by different aspects of his father and tries to break free. Written and directed by Faisal Al Amer.
• Curtain (2018): A female nurse escaping traumatic events faces fear and judgement at her workplace. Directed by Mohamed Alsalman.