Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi film “Mandoob” (“Night Courier”) which had its world premiere at Toronto film festival last month, showcases Riyadh’s cityscape, its low-income neighborhoods by night, during the country’s short rainy season.
The film is about an overworked delivery app driver in Riyadh, Fahad Nassir, who has taken a bold step into the world of bootlegging. Mohammed Aldokhi, portraying Nassir, stars in Ali Kalthami’s highly anticipated dark comedy feature debut, which explores the rarely seen ultra-modern Saudi nightlife.
Struggling to make ends meet with his day job at a call center while working as a delivery app courier by night to support his ailing father’s medical treatment, Nassir’s mistakes lead to his dismissal from the call center. Refusing to go quietly, he seizes the opportunity to steal six cases of counterfeit whisky from an illegal dealer, setting off a chain of events that catapult him into a lifestyle for which he is entirely unprepared.
Directed by Ali Kalthami and produced by Saudi production house Telfaz11, this darkly comedic character drama offers a captivating portrayal of bad luck and poor decision-making, all against the backdrop of Riyadh’s vibrant nightlife.
The film’s cinematography, courtesy of Ahmed Tahoun, brings the city’s skyscrapers and sand dunes to life with crisp visuals and dynamic use of color. Mohammed Aldokhi delivers a standout and physically engaging comedic performance.
“Mandoob,” which is being sold internationally by MPM Premium. offers a unique perspective on Saudi society, exploring themes of class divide and social change in Riyadh.
