Saudi Arabia’s psychological drama Hobal is making its way to international cinemas, with theatrical releases confirmed in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, and Germany. Additional territories are expected to follow in the next phase of its global rollout.

Directed by Abdulaziz Al-Shlahei and filmed in the striking desert landscapes of NEOM, Hobal features an all-Saudi cast led by Mila Al-Zahrani, alongside Mohammed Al-Toyan, Mishal Al-Mutairi, and Ibrahim Al-Hasawi. Set in the early 1990s, the story centers on a Bedouin family living in isolation under the rule of a paranoid father who believes the end of the world is imminent. When his teenage daughter falls ill with measles, the family faces a harrowing moral dilemma: uphold tradition or risk survival.

The screenplay, penned by Mufarrej Al-Majfel, was developed through the Daw Film Competition, a Saudi Ministry of Culture initiative aimed at nurturing emerging filmmakers.

Hobal marks Al-Shlahei’s third feature film, following The Tambour of Retribution, which received critical acclaim at the Cairo Film Festival and was Saudi Arabia’s official submission to the 94th Academy Awards.

Mila Al-Zahrani, who also serves as a brand ambassador for Boucheron’s Quatre jewelry collection, announced the film’s international release on social media. She has previously appeared at the Red Sea Film Festival and Cannes, further establishing her presence on the global stage.