The development of Saudi Arabia’s film industry has been attracting film productions, highlighting emerging talent and creating opportunities for homegrown stars. Among those who have shined are director Abdulelah Alqurashi and his comedy drama “Alhamour H.A.” This year, the first R-rated Saudi Arabian film is the country’s official entry in the international feature race.
“Alhamour H.A.” follows a security-guard-turned-swindler named Hamed, who quickly rises to the top and makes billions after he and his partners convince people into suspicious investments with the promise of doubling their money in no time.
“I was inspired to create this film after hearing a true story from the early 2000s about a simple security guard who quickly amassed a vast fortune,” says the director. Described by Alqurashi as a story that “runs very deep in modern Saudi culture, but also speaks to the world at large,” “Alhamour H.A” is loosely based on the life of an infamous con artist who was publicly exposed after conning thousands of victims through a Ponzi scheme.
“This story, set against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia, offers a unique glimpse into the effects of sudden wealth on human character. Hamed, the protagonist, embodies this transformation, evolving from humble beginnings to a life marked by greed and excess,” Alqurashi explains.
Popular on Variety
Actor Fahad Alqahtani says he “immediately” understood Hamed after reading the script. “The prospect of portraying his journey from a security guard to a billionaire was both intriguing and challenging,” he says. “I knew I could bring the right depth to Hamed’s complex character.”
With “Alhamour H.A.,” Alqurashi and his team hope audiences and voters connect with its universal theme: how greed can alter a person’s life, for good and bad. “My aim was to balance the dark aspects of his journey with nostalgic elements, using a distinct visual and tonal language,” the director shares.
“The film goes into the transformative effects of sudden wealth and power, not just on an individual level but also on those around them,” Alqurashi continues. “We aspire to broaden viewers’ understanding of diverse lifestyles and values. Ultimately, we wish for ‘Alhamour H.A.’ to be an experience that enlightens, challenges and resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impression on its viewers.”
“Alhamour H.A.” marks Boulevard Studios’ first production. “Our mission is to empower Saudi filmmakers to tell untold stories,” says Adnan Kayal, senior vice president of Sela, the holding company for Boulevard Studios. “‘Alhamour H.A.’ is a testament to the rich storytelling potential within Saudi cinema, and we are proud to play a role in bringing this compelling narrative to a worldwide streaming release on Dec. 21.”
Alqurashi, who is also Boulevard Studios’ head of motion picture, and producer Mohammad Al-Hilaly of Boulevard Studios are extra proud of creating their project with a cast and crew of all Saudi talent. “‘Alhamour H.A.’ represents a significant leap in the standard of blockbuster films within the region,” the filmmaker says. “It’s not just a movie; it’s a full package that marries a compelling narrative with high production values, making it the candidate for recognition in the international feature category.”
Al-Hilaly echoes a similar sentiment. “From the logline to the development of this film, it has been a journey of ambition and scale,” he says. “Boulevard Studios has supported it through every stage, ensuring that at each step — from the initial greenlighting to the final touches — the film is set to exceed industry standards in every aspect, be it storytelling, production or technical execution. We’re striving not just to make a great film, but to create a landmark in cinema history that will be remembered and referenced for years to come.”