Netflix is all set for its third Arabic original content titled “Paranormal,” with young Egyptian director Amr Salama “Sheikh Jackson” on board as director and show-runner.
The story is based on best selling Arabic horror books by late Egyptian author Ahmed Khaled Tawfik, is being co-produced by Salama and prominent Egyptian indie producer Mohammed Hefzy, whose Film Clinic shingle is known internationally for “Microphone” “Sheikh Jackson” and “Yomeddine”.
The series, set in the 1960s, marks the streaming giant’s first foray into a drama produced in Egypt, which is historically the Arab world’s production powerhouse. “Paranormal” depicts the adventures of lead character Dr. Refaat Ismail, a hematologist who finds himself faced with a series of supernatural events.
Kelly Luegenbiehl, Netflix’s VP of international originals, said in a statement “We are excited to continue our investment in Middle Eastern productions by adapting the highly acclaimed ‘Paranormal’ novels into a thrilling new series, We’re also pleased to collaborate with prominent producer Mohamed Hefzy and director Amr Salama, whose creative vision we look forward to bringing to our global audience.”
“I’m proud to be working with Netflix on bringing to life the ‘Paranormal’ series, which I hold dear to my heart,” said Hefzy who also serves as president of the revamped Cairo Film Festival.
“Paranormal,” which is expected to shoot in Egypt, is the third Middle Eastern Netflix original series following “Jinn,” a coming-of-age teen drama with supernatural elements that was shot in Jordan and will drop June 13, and “Al Rawabi School for Girls,” a Jordan-set high-school drama produced with a female Arab cast and crew.
