Thursday March 28th, 2024
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Netflix Has Greenlit its First Original Arab Series

Jinn is set to be filmed this year in Jordan and released on Netflix in 2019

Staff Writer

Netflix Has Greenlit its First Original Arab Series

Exciting times lie ahead for fans of the online streaming platform. After playing countless Netflix series from all over the world, we will finally get the chance to watch Arabs that aren’t portrayed by Pakistanis from London or Israelis who pronounce humus as Khumus.

Jinn (the one who comes without tonic) is set to be filmed this year in Jordan and will involve a host of Arab talent, including Lebanese director Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya and Bassel Ghandoub, writer of the acclaimed Oscar nominated Jordanian film Theeb.

The six-episode drama will revolve around a group of friends whose lives are disrupted when a supernatural being known as Jinn appears to them in the form of a teenage boy in the ancient city of Petra. Think Stranger Things meets Aladdin.

Bou Chaaya, who directed the Lebanese hit Very Big Shot (Film Kteer Kbeer) shared his enthusiasm  “This is a great opportunity to portray Arab youth in a very unique way. The level of authenticity Netflix is trying to achieve with this show is definitely what attracted me the most to be part of this project”

The series is welcome turning point for the region, with Netflix looking to produce more Arab original content and give a platform to emerging voices and talented actors.

On March 1st, Netflix will officially lose its MENA virginity with the standup show, Adel Karam Live from Beirut on March 1.

Jinn, on the other hand, is expected to air in 2019.