Rabet
Spring Grants 2023 - Development Stage
Aya Al Blouchi, Basel Owies / TV Series / Qatar, Tunisia, Jordan, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon / 42 min / Original Language: Arabic / Interests: Thriller, Crime
Synopsis
‘Rabet’ (Ties) is a unique anthology series that transcends cultural stereotypes to present eight distinct crime stories, each unfolding against the backdrop of a different Middle Eastern and North African region country. From the bustling streets of vibrant cities to the hauntingly beautiful landscapes, each episode crafts a unique narrative that delves into existential ironies along with the paradoxes of morality and justice. The eight episodes are tied together by inescapable feelings of panic, thrilling tension, unexpected alliances, betrayals, and ethical conundrums, all exploring the darkest and most sinister elements of the inexorable human condition. ‘Rabet’ is not just a crime anthology—it is a visual and emotional odyssey that invites audiences to contemplate the universal complexities of moral ambiguity and existentialism.
Credits
- Director
- Basel Owies
- Screenwriter
- Basel Owies
- Producer
- Aya Al Blouchi, Basel Owies,
About the Director
Introduced to the world of cinema by her father at a young age, Aya Al Blouchi honed her passion for film within the realm of film festivals. As a film programmer, her exposure to a multitude of films allowed her to develop a profound appreciation for the craft and detailed intricacies of filmmaking. In 2015, Aya founded Seat26 Productions, a Lebanon-based production company aiming to support aspiring filmmakers and emerging talents from the Arab region. Committed to fostering a sustainable film industry in the MENA region and beyond, Aya took a significant step in 2018 by establishing The Map Projects, a European-based incubator designed to bring together artists specialising in various interdisciplinary mediums. This collaborative space allows creatives to work together across regional divides, aids in enhancing their craft through training initiatives, and promotes film literacy between the communities. Currently, Aya Al Blouchi is involved in multiple co-production and finance ventures. Her foray into serialised narrative content begins with ‘Rabet’ and showcases her dedication to exploring creative boundaries that contribute to the global cinematic landscape. As a leader in her field, Aya continues to shape the future of the film industry through her passion for storytelling, along with her commitment to innovation and collaboration.
Basel Owies was born into the cultural mosaic of New Jersey. He has always been fascinated with cinema and knew from childhood that he wanted to be a filmmaker. Initially unsure if this was a realistic goal, Basel focused on the sciences throughout most of his formative years before deciding on graduate school. His creative journey led to an MFA in Directing and Film Production from the esteemed Chapman University. In Los Angeles, his artistic spirit found expression across diverse mediums, weaving through film, TV, commercials, music videos, and branded content. The turning point arrived when he directed and co-produced his inaugural feature film, ‘The Barber’ (2014). Starring luminaries like Scott Glenn and Chris Coy, the film showcased Basel’s directorial finesse and set the stage for his cinematic odyssey. In 2017, Basel embraced a pivotal role as the lead producer of the Qatari Film Fund at the Doha Film Institute. Here, he passionately drives forward non-profit initiatives, building an industry and fostering talent through the leading film scholarship programme in the region. Independently venturing into reality television, Basel serves as an executive producer of the upcoming Middle Eastern-based series, ‘Jet Set Arabia,’ a dynamic project with timely relevance and cultural richness. Basel’s creative endeavours continue to unfold as he crafts ‘Beautiful Things,’ a narrative series set against the enchanting backdrop of Jordan, and curates ‘Rabet’ (Ties), a standalone anthology series spanning the diverse landscapes of the MENA region.