STARZPLAY to Debut First Arabic-Language Original

STARZPLAY is set to premiere the horror anthology Kaboos, its first Arabic-language original, on February 9.

The series provides a modern retelling of Arab folklore, taking viewers through urban legends from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and the UAE. Five stand-alone episodes delve into regional tales that have withstood the test of time, such as that of a half-human, half-donkey that snatches children in Kuwait.

From ghouls that dwell in the isolated desert of Saudi Arabia to a mysterious shape-shifting jackal in Egypt, Kaboos celebrates the supernatural and urban myths.

The series was filmed across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Egypt, with each episode directed by directors from across the region, including Majid Al Ansari (Zinzana, Paranormal), Hana Kazim (Makr), Yasir Al Yasiri (122), Ahmed Khaled (30 March) and Hala Matar (Streetcar). It is produced by Yasir Al Yasiri and Mansoor Al Feeli’s production company, Starship Entertainment, and Image Nation Abu Dhabi.

Kaboos stars local talent such as Passant Shawky, Khaled Anward, Abrar Al Hamad, Rakeen Saad, Kady Al Qaisy and Ahmad Al Saeed.

Nadim Dada, VP of programming and content acquisition at STARZPLAY, said: “Kaboos is our biggest content asset this year, our very first Arabic-language original, and we are very excited to roll out the production across the Middle East. Our goal at STARZPLAY has been to invest in content that is regionally relevant, and as a homegrown platform, we continuously strive to bring in content that our MENA audiences can relate to. We are confident that our subscribers will be immersed in the gripping tales of local and regional Arab mythology that will capture the Middle East’s penchant for storytelling, but with a modern twist.”

Ben Ross, chief content officer of Image Nation, added: “Image Nation Abu Dhabi constantly looks for challenging new projects that enable regional filmmakers to share the region’s contemporary heritage and culture with the world through Arabic-language content, and what better way to do so than through Arab myths and legends that embody the region’s love for storytelling? Kaboos balances terrifying horror scenes with storylines that explore human nature, offering nostalgic tales to Arab audiences while introducing global watchers to the complex and eerie world of Arab folklore through this inventive original series.”