Dubai-based Front Row Productions has acquired all rights to the story of Sally Hafez, the young woman who, in order to pay for her sister's cancer treatment, walked into a Beirut bank and used a toy gun to take money from her savings account which had been locked due to Lebanon's financial crisis.
Front Row Productions, a joint venture between prominent MENA region distribution companies Front Row Filmed Entertainment and Beirut-based Empire Entertainment, plans to explore different aspects of the Hafez story through feature films, TV series, docuseries, and a podcast series. The company aims to delve into 'the various angles of Sally's unique but relatable journey from a patriotic activist to a disenfranchised citizen taking it upon herself to be divisive,' as stated in a press release.
The incident occurred in 2019 amidst Lebanon's deepening economic crisis, marked by the devaluation of the country's currency and severe restrictions on foreign currency withdrawals by cash-strapped banks. Hafez, accompanied by activists from a group called Depositors' Outcry, entered a Beirut bank on Sept. 14, 2022, and demanded funds for her sister's medical treatment. Despite facing minor legal consequences, Hafez's actions resonated with many in Lebanon who were grappling with financial hardships and frozen savings.
Front Row Productions highlighted the significance of Sally's story as a testament to a woman's agency in a society plagued by patriarchal and corrupt systems. The company's representatives expressed admiration for Hafez's resilience in the face of adversity and emphasized the importance of sharing her narrative to shed light on the challenges faced by ordinary citizens in Lebanon.
Hafez, in collaboration with Front Row Productions, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to bring her story to a wider audience. The partnership aligns with Front Row's commitment to showcasing diverse stories from the MENA region, following successful productions such as the Arabic adaptation of 'Perfect Strangers' and the upcoming thriller 'The Sandcastle.'
As Front Row Productions continues to expand its portfolio with projects that resonate with regional audiences, the acquisition of the Hafez IP represents a significant step towards amplifying voices and experiences from the Middle East and North Africa.
