Share

cover art for Desert Warrior's Homecoming: Saudi Film Revolution

Entertainment & Celebrity News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Desert Warrior's Homecoming: Saudi Film Revolution

Desert Warrior makes a triumphant return to Saudi Arabia, screening at the Red Sea International Film Festival. Directed by Rupert Wyatt and starring Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, and Sir Ben Kingsley, this historical epic was filmed across NEOM and Tabuk. The movie, backed by MBC Group, marks a significant step for the Saudi film industry, showcasing its growing ambitions and providing a platform for regional storytelling. The films narrative, set in the seventh century, explores universal themes of autonomy, sacrifice, and courage, deeply rooted in the cultural and historical context of the Arabian Peninsula. The production involved hundreds of crew members, offering a training ground for emerging Saudi talent. The films screening at the festival was a homecoming, resonating with local audiences and highlighting the festivals role as a global platform for regional cinema.

The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered.

More episodes

View all episodes

  • Coogler & Jordan's Sinners: Tom Cruise's Endorsement

    01:58|
    Filmmaker Ryan Coogler and actor Michael B. Jordan discuss their horror movie, Sinners, set in 1932 Mississippi. Jordan plays twin brothers, with practical blood and gore effects inspired by The Thing and Rodriguez/Tarantino. Coogler sought out special effects designer Michael Fontaine. Despite challenges, the film opened to $48M and earned $368M worldwide, becoming an Oscar contender. Tom Cruises endorsement boosted their spirits, highlighting Cruises admiration for their work and dedication to film.
  • Golden Globes Nominations Announced: Marlon Wayans & Skye P. Marshall Host

    01:22|
    Golden Globes Nominations Announced: Marlon Wayans & Skye P. Marshall Host Live Event; Nikki Glaser Returns as Host
  • Netflix's $82.7B Warner Brothers Acquisition: A New Streaming Era

    02:00|
    Netflix eyes massive acquisition of Warner Brothers Discovery, potentially generating $6.6 billion in Asia Pacific revenue. This deal could reshape the global entertainment landscape, giving Netflix control over major franchises like DC Comics, Harry Potter, and HBO. However, a Licensing Cliff looms as Warner Brothers Discoverys content currently licensed to local platforms may be reclaimed by Netflix, forcing regional streamers to seek new partnerships. The combined entity would surpass YouTube and Disneys entertainment divisions in revenue, marking a significant shift in the streaming wars.
  • Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce's Engagement, Privacy Promise

    01:43|
    Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez attended a Kansas City Chiefs game, marking Selenas first time at Arrowhead Stadium. Taylor, wearing a gray coat, and Selena, in a black fur jacket, watched from a suite, chatting with friends. Despite the Chiefs loss, Taylor was seen smiling and engaged. The Chiefs President, Mark Donovan, revealed a promise to respect Taylors privacy, never showing her on the big screens. Travis Kelce has expressed appreciation for Taylors football enthusiasm, while Taylor has admitted to becoming obsessed with the sport. The couples relationship has grown, with Taylor appearing on Travis and Jason Kelces podcast and announcing her twelfth studio album, The Life of a Showgirl. Travis and Taylor recently announced their engagement, sharing photos with a playful caption referencing Taylors song So High School.
  • Derry's Dark Heart: Human Horrors in 'It: The Black Spot'

    01:49|
    It: Welcome to Derry on HBO Max unveiled a chilling and intense scene from the novel, depicting a racist mobs attack on a Black soldiers hangout. The episode, The Black Spot, showcased the human-caused horrors alongside supernatural elements. The scene was designed to be raw and violent, with central characters trapped in a burning building. The supernatural also played a role, with Pennywise and spirits entering the afterlife. The complex scene was meticulously choreographed, emphasizing the grounded terrors of Derry and the human capacity for pain and horror.
  • Golden Globes Nominations Announced

    01:43|
    The Golden Globe Awards nominations are out, with Marlon Wayans and Skye P. Marshall revealing the hopefuls. Nikki Glaser hosts the January 1st ceremony, expecting fierce competition in acting categories. Notable films like Wicked: For Good, Marty Supreme, and Sinners are in the running, along with TV shows such as The Studio, The Pitt, and Severance. Last years winners set a high bar, and this years nominees are eager to make their mark.
  • Gene Simmons on Ace Frehley's Death

    01:38|
    Gene Simmons, KISSs frontman, mourns Ace Frehleys death, attributing it to substance abuse and poor decisions. Frehley, a founding member, died from blunt-trauma injuries after a fall. Simmons attended Frehleys funeral, expressing regret for not helping him lead a better life.
  • Golden Globes 2026: Relaxed Affair, Big Names

    01:56|
    Golden Globes 2026: A Relaxed Affair with Big Implications for Oscars - The Golden Globes, an event that kicks off awards season, has announced its nominations for 2026. With a new category for Best Podcast and a competitive musical or comedy category, the ceremony on January 11th promises a relaxed atmosphere and potential Oscar contenders.
  • Taylor Swift's Eras Tour: A Global Farewell

    02:11|
    Taylor Swifts Eras Tour, a record-breaking twenty-one-month stadium world tour, concluded with a three-hour, forty-four-song setlist, meticulously breaking down Swifts career by each album era. The tour featured memorable moments like an eight-minute standing ovation for Champagne Problems and Swifts dramatic entrance into her Reputation era. The tour also extended to the big screen and Disney Plus, with a six-episode docuseries and a full concert film set to debut. The Eras Tour was a truly unforgettable experience for Swifties, filled with surprise guest appearances, acoustic surprise song sets, and re-recorded album announcements.