First Netflix original Arabic series 'Jinn' to hit screens next year

Streaming giant Netflix have thrilled Arab fans by announcing the 2019 release of "Jinn", a supernatural teen drama and its first Arabic original series from the Middle East, which it promises will showcase the very best of acting and directing talent from the region.

The six-part supernatural thriller will follow a group of teenage friends whose lives get turned upside down when a mischief-making Jinn (Genie) - a supernatural creature from Islamic mythology akin to a demon - appears to them in the form of a teenage boy in the ancient city of Petra in the Jordanian desert.

The series looks set to tick all the boxes of a hit show, offering budding romances, tested friendships and a group of teens pulling together to save the world from evil. 

The finished product will be the combined efforts of a rising star cast and crew, executive produced by Elan and Rajeev Dassani (SEAM), directed by Lebanon's Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya (Very Big Shot) and Jordanian screenwriter, Bassel Ghandour (Oscar-nominated Bedouin coming-of-age drama Theeb), alongside a host of yet-to-be-announced Arab actors.

"This is a great opportunity to portray Arab youth in a very unique way. The level of authenticity Netflix is trying to achieve with this show is definitely what attracted me the most to be part of this project," said director Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya.

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Screenwriter Ghandour added, "We are really excited about this. It is very common in Middle East that people know someone who has a Jinn story, so it's nice to take that and turn it into a fun and mysterious teen adventure that everyone can enjoy.

"On a broader note, I love that Netflix is investing a lot in the region, it's a real turning point. We have such a rich storytelling culture, and we'll finally be able to enjoy Arabic content with Netflix quality."

"We’re delighted to be working with such a variety of breakout talent to launch our first Arabic original series in the Middle East." said Erik Barmack, Vice President of International Original Series at Netflix.

"We are extremely excited to bring this story to a global audience, and to celebrate Arab youth and culture. We can't wait to share more details later this year."