Such a step is not new to Saudi Arabian Airlines as it consistently ensures all trending and popular creative content is made available to its passengers, with “Bilal” being the most recent addition to this impressive list.
Guests of SAUDIA will have exclusive access to the film several months before its global release.
Bilal is the accomplishment of Barajoun entertainment, a leading animation & visual effects Studio in the MENA region, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Barajoun is born out of great passion for storytelling, art and innovative technologies, bringing to life enchanting stories and lovable characters.
Bilal is the first CG (Computer Graphics) feature film fully produced in Dubai – United Arab Emirates, the movie is inspired by the story of Bilal Ibn Rabah, a real figure who lived 1500 years ago. Bilal, a young boy with a dream of becoming a great warrior, is kidnapped along with his sister (Ghufaira) to a land far away from home. Thrown in a world where greed and injustice rule all, Bilal finds the courage to raise his voice and make a change. The movie voices the ability to overcome obstacles and free your soul from any chains no matter how hard it might seem to be.
Bilal is produced by Ayman Jamal and Directed by Ayman Jamal and Khurram H. Alavi. The international cast has a number of stars including: Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje in the role of Bilal, China Anne McClain as Ghufaira Teen, Jacob Latimore as Bilal Teen and Ian McShane as Umayya.
The Bilal movie was recognized and screened at different festivals all over the world; it is currently selected at the Palm Spring International Animation Festival (PSIAF) in California – USA and nominated for its “Best Animated Feature” award.
The title also proudly won “Best inspiring Movie” in Animation Day in Cannes Festival (2016), was nominated at the Asia Pacific Screen Award (2016) for Best Animated Feature Film, rewarded with “Best Use of Animation” at the Digital Studio Award (2017), and “Innovative Production of the Year” at the Broadcast Middle East Awards (2015).
Commented Dr. Fahad Al-Jarboa, SAUDIA Vice President of Marketing and Product Management: “The airline is pleased to be the exclusive carrier to show the inspiring film Bilal onboard, ahead of its global launch. As part of our continuous efforts to provide a wide selection of meaningful and latest entertainment options on SAUDIA flights, Bilal joins other recently introduced titles for all our guests to enjoy.”
Bilal will be released globally in February 2018.
Bilal will be added to SAUDIA’s 3000 hours of entertainment content onboard from movies, TV shows, games to music options. With the number of convenient options now available onboard SAUDIA, passengers can view a large variety of television programs and movies, listen to music, play games, surf the internet in ease.
At the 2017 Skytrax awards which took place at the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget last June, SAUDIA received the award for the World’s Most Improved Airline in 2017 award by Skytrax.
SAUDIA was also named Airline of the Year – Highly Commended by Aviation Business Middle East Magazine at their Annual Awards Gala in Dubai in October 2017.