Arabic Movies, Series Exploring Fresh, Often Edgier Themes

Family secrets, hidden pasts, and personal growth have emerged as the most popular themes in Arabic movies and series this year, reflecting the evolving societal dynamics in the Middle East and North Africa region. Rise Studios, a Dubai-based company, released an AI-powered report ahead of the TV market Mipcom, highlighting these trends.

Amanda Turnbull, CEO and founder of Rise Studios, will participate in a panel discussion at Mipcom on drama series that transcend borders. The report, titled “Exploring Emerging Themes and Topics in MENA’s Streaming Landscape,” analyzes trends in content across 12 streaming platforms in the Arabic region over the past year.

According to the report, traditional themes like secrets, betrayal, and mystery have plateaued or declined, making way for more complex narratives. Themes such as hidden pasts, family secrets, misadventures, and personal growth have seen significant growth in popularity.

For example, the Egyptian thriller “All But Divorced” explores the theme of hidden pasts as Yara, a chemistry teacher, uncovers her husband’s infidelity, putting their lives at risk. In the Saudi drama-thriller “From the Ashes,” inspired by a real-life tragedy, the chaos unfolds when a fire breaks out in an all-girls’ school, highlighting themes of personal growth and hidden truths.

Saudi Arabia is emerging as a powerhouse for production in the region, with films like “Naga” exploring themes of friendship, culture clash, survival, and suspense against the backdrop of modern Saudi youth. The surge in investment and the influx of young creatives in the MENA region have contributed to the shift towards edgier themes that resonate with younger audiences.

Maarten Kranendonk, co-founder and CEO of Vynd, a company providing AI-enhanced intelligence for the entertainment industry, emphasized the importance of leveraging technology like AI to analyze content and shape the future of content creation in the region.

Overall, the report highlights the changing landscape of Arabic content, with a focus on themes that reflect the cultural shifts, identity, and transformation in the region. This shift towards more complex and resonant narratives is driven by a new generation of creatives eager to break from tradition and explore fresh, engaging storylines.