Naji Abu Nowar’s co-production to get Middle East distribution.

MAD Distribution will release Naji Abu Nowar’s Theeb across Jordan, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates on March 19, followed by further Middle East territories the following week.

A co-production between the UAE, UK, Qatar and Jordan, the film follows a young Bedouin boy who embarks on a dangerous journey with his older brother in the Arabian Desert in 1916.

It won best director in the Venice film festival’s Orizzonti section, a Special Mention at BFI London Film Festival and best film from the Arab world in Abu Dhabi’s New Horizons section. It also won the FIPRESCI award in Abu Dhabi.

Fortissimo Films is handling international sales.

The film will receive two premieres in Abu Dhabi, UAE and Amman, Jordan before its pan-regional release through cinema chains such as VOX, Reel, Cinescape and Grand Cinemas.

“The Arab world is a melting pot of cultures, so it was incredible to see how the audiences embraced the film during its festivals screenings in the region,” said MAD managing partner for GCC operations, Abdallah Al Shami.