'Sukkar: Sabaabaa w Houboub Al-Kharziz' Premieres At RSIFF 2024

MBC STUDIOS, the original production arm of MBC GROUP, in cooperation with Aroma Studios, celebrated the launch of the release of 'Sukkar: Sabaabaa w Houboub Al-Kharziz' with an exclusive red-carpet premiere at the 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) in Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The sequel to the popular Arabic-language family musical – created by Heba Mishari Hamada and directed by Tamer Mahdy – was selected as one of the festival's leading featured titles. This recognition builds on the outstanding performance of the series’ debut instalment, 'Sukkar', which achieved notable box office success after screening in Cairo, Dubai, Riyadh, and other major Arab cities in 2023.

Starring Hala Al Turk in the lead role, 'Sukkar: Sabaabaa w Houboub Al-Kharziz' features a host of young talent from around the GCC and Middle East, including Moataz Hesham, Bavly Remon, Yasmina El Abd, Dima Ahmed, Mohamad Al Harbi, Hagar Mohamed, Maria Gomaa, and twins Abdullah and Omar Khaled. Starring in the musical in the adult roles are the prominent actors Magda Zaki, Mohamed Tharwat, and Reham Al Shanawany, and others.

Attendees at the RSIFF premiere included the film's stars and creators, alongside a host of media professionals, artists, public figures, and distinguished guests, as well as senior managers and executives from MBC GROUP.

Following its screening, MBC STUDIOS announced that the film will hit cinemas across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) beginning 23 January 2025.

Featuring original music, both parts of 'Sukkar' are inspired by the renowned epistolary novel 'Daddy-Long-Legs' by American author Jean Webster. The songs, written by Mishari Hamada, are brought to life through the compositions of Ehab Abdel Wahed, arranged by Ahmad Tarek, and produced by Joy Music Production.

The film follows the journey of Sukkar and her friends who live in an orphanage, waking up every day with hopes of transforming their lives into something more meaningful and colourful. Despite their hopeful outlook, the orphanage’s manager, Ratiba, proves to be exceptionally mean, exacerbating the challenges that the children face in their pursuit of a better life.

'Sukkar: Sabaabaa w Houboub Al-Kharziz' is produced by MBC STUDIOS in cooperation with Aroma Studios. MBC GROUP is the largest and leading media organisation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).