STARZPLAY, one of the leading video-on-demand subscription (SVOD) services in the region, introduces its first original epic historical drama, ‘The Promise,’ a captivating series that vows to keep viewers hooked with parallel narratives, unexpected twists, and multiple storylines combined with impeccable cinematography and special effects.
Debuting on the 11th of January, the eight-episode series follows a 2-episode-weekly release schedule. The STARZPLAY Original draws inspiration from Al-Sirah Al-Hilaliyyah; navigating the story of Bani Hilal, the well-known Arab tribe, and the exile of its knight Abu Zayd Al Hilali and his mother Khadra.
The star-studded pan-Arab series brings together talents from every corner of the region featuring the Saudi icon AbdulMohsin Al Nemr, alongside Mahira Abdel Aziz, Nedal Najim, Zied Touati Najla Ben Abdallah, Meryem Zaimi, Ahmed Srour, Khalid Najim, Mohamed Al Hashim and Shaila Sabt.
Set in the period 1149 – 1185 AD, the series narrates the game of fates surrounding a grand battle between Abu Zaid and his father Rizq bin Nail told over seven nights serving as the story’s focal point.
Across these nights, we see everything from Abu Zaid’s birth, his and his mother’s exile, his childhood and youth, to his return to the Bani Hilal to fight his father unknowingly. This is paralleled with carefully selected events occurring simultaneously in Najd, where Bani Hilal lives, and in Tunisia, where Al-Zinati resides.
Commenting on the release of “The Promise”, Yasser Fahmy, the Showrunner said “When inspiring stories are crafted with a visually sensitive language, when extravagance becomes an art in shaping beauty, and when there is a nurturing environment for all this creativity, timeless masterpieces are created. The promise is an exceptional artistic content, and STARZPLAY is a platform of wonders.”
Tony Saab, Senior Vice President of Content and Strategic Partnerships, STARZPLAY enthusiastically said about “The Promise”; We are thrilled to ring in the new year with this extravagant production that showcases Arab talent and stories that resonate with our culture. “The Promise”; is not just a drama; but an immersive journey bringing alive Arab history on screen and streamed with cutting edge quality and fascinating narratives. Our aim is to consistently deliver content that is tailored to the preferences of our audience, and we will continue to innovate and offer creative content to subscribers who are constantly experimenting and looking for diverse options.”
With thousands of hours of premium content including the best western content, Arabic shows, Turkish favorites, anime, and live sports, STARZPLAY is fast solidifying its position as a leading multi-faceted entertainment hub. The service is available in 19 countries across the MENA for fans to enjoy quality content anytime, anywhere, and from any device.