Jet Set Arabia
Fall Grants 2019 - Development Stage
Abdulla Al-Abdulla, Basel Owies / TV Series / Qatar / Original Language: Arabic, English / Interests: Middle Eastern, Fashion, Youth
Synopsis
In ‘Jet Set Arabia’, we will follow along on the journey of what it takes to become a contemporary social media influencer in the traditional Middle East. This contrast takes us on an exciting and entertaining ride where societal norms are challenged, and where controversies are a daily struggle. With a combined total of over 15 million followers, our dynamic ensemble cast will shed light on various facets of Middle Eastern culture, giving us exclusive access to their lavish lifestyles, entrepreneurial ventures, and adventurous personal lives. Through our cast we’ll see high-end editorial photoshoots, international fashion shows, brands being launched, friendships forming and relationships falling apart, all the while posting and sharing these experiences with the world. In this competitive and cut-throat influencer industry, it’s hard work to avoid being wrapped up in the haters of social media and in living up to the demands of their conservative cultures and families. And although the influencers indulge in luxurious lifestyles, this series will also show how each of them is a down-to-earth human being that’s struggling with the same issues that are relatable to many millennials today. We get to see the dirt under the carpet and see the reality of what goes on behind the scenes, including the stress, humour, heartbreak, disappointment, and joy of the influencer industry.
Credits
- Director
- Abdulla Al-Abdulla, Basel Owies
- Producer
- Abdulla Al-Abdulla, Basel Owies
- Executive Producer
- Abdulla Al-Abdulla, Basel Owies
About the Director
As the son of an ambassador, Abdulla Al-Abdulla grew up travelling the globe and developed a keen interest in the fashion industry. As a Qatari native, Abdulla’s style has a quintessential Middle Eastern touch, but still incorporates a vast Western flare. He is a regular at the London, Paris, New York and Milan Fashion Weeks, and has been featured in various publications like Harper’s Bazaar, Grazia, Ahlan Magazine and Glam. As a high-profile influencer, Abdulla has collaborated with countless brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Balmain, Etro and Chaumet—where he stands at the crossroads between Middle Eastern and Western culture.
Basel Owies, currently serving as Senior Producer at the Doha Film Institute, is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in film and television production. Since joining the Doha Film Institute in 2017, Basel has been instrumental in supporting the Institute’s mission of nurturing emerging talent, mainly through the Qatari Film Fund (QFF)—a core initiative of the Institute. QFF takes an active role in investing in the development and success of local talent, supporting the development and
production of up to eight short films and four feature films annually. Since its inception in 2015, QFF has propelled the development of a vibrant community of
dedicated and talented local filmmakers who are now making their mark on the global stage. Prior to DFI, Basel’s passion for contemporary culture, technology,
and art led him to pursue an MFA in Directing and Film Production from the distinguished Chapman University
in California. During his time in Los Angeles, he honed his skills across a multitude of mediums, including film, TV,
commercials, music videos, and branded content. Basel’s multifaceted career in the film and television industry reflects his commitment to cultural storytelling and
expertise in producing authentically driven and narratively compelling projects