Netflix’s debut Arabic original drama, ‘Jinn,’ begins filming in Jordan
Jinn, Netflix’s first Arabic original drama, began shooting in Amman, Jordan, on Monday with Very Big
Shot’s Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya in the director’s chair.
The announcement dashes hopes the series could see Netflix shooting in the UAE for the first time – a possibility that was left as a “maybe” when the streaming service announced the show – but it also brings to an end a six-month wait for news of filming since the show was announced in February.
Jinn promises to mix elements of the supernatural with plenty of teen soap opera drama in a coming of age story that will introduce Middle Eastern folklore to the modern world. The only other piece of Netflix content in Arabic was Adel Karam’s standup comedy special, which was released in February.
Theeb writer Bassel Ghandour has been replaced on scripting duties for Jinn by
Seam scribe Elan Dassani, who has also worked in visual FX on a host of shows, including Suits and Knight Rider.
Dassani also executive produces, and is joined on writing duty by Sundance Award Winner Amin Matalqa
(Captain Abu Raed), who will direct the show’s final three episodes.
Jinn will feature a cast of up-and-coming local talent, including Salma Malhas as Mira, a rebellious teen still devastated after the loss of her mother who learns to love again when she meets Keras, played by Hamza Abu Eqab, the Jinn who is tasked with guarding vigilante Jinns. Sultan Alkhalil stars as Yassin, who struggles with a world that seems stacked against him. We follow his coming of age story that is sparked by his supernatural friendship with Vera, played by Aysha Shahalthough, who is on the hunt for vengeance at any cost.
Mira will be joined by her friends Fahed (Yaser Al Hadi) and Layla (Ban Halaweh) in the fight to rescue Yassin from the ruthless Vera before it’s too late. It all sounds very dramatic.
Erik Barmack, Netflix’s
VP of international original serie, said the show aims to be authentic to the region: “With Jinn, we aim to create a fantastical show about young people in the Middle East in Arabic that’s real, authentic and action-packed. This Netflix show will be full of intrigue, adventure and amazing storytelling from Jordan and for our audiences around the world.”
Elan Dassani said: “Arab youth are just like teens everywhere, trying to find the balance between embracing modern culture whilst keeping true to their rich history. We’re excited to be able to bring a show reflecting this to Netflix fans across the world”.
The six-episode series is expected to launch on Netflix around the world next year.