Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The highly anticipated Saudi historical epic “The Unbroken Sword”, chronicling the life of Islamic military legend Khalid bin Waleed (RA), has officially entered its shooting phase, marking a significant milestone in what is being called the largest and most ambitious Arab film production to date.
Tentatively set for a 2027 release, the film is expected to set a new benchmark for the Saudi film industry and Arab cinema as a whole.
Extensive Preparations and Historical Accuracy
For over a year, the production team has been meticulously preparing for this epic. Sprawling 7th-century sets have been constructed, while authentic warrior costumes, armor, cavalry gear, and weapons are being handcrafted to ensure historical accuracy in every frame. The filmmakers have gone to great lengths to recreate the period, from battlefield layouts to the smallest details of military attire.
World-Class Production Team
The project is overseen by Saudi events company Sela, under the supervision of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and Riyadh Season. The film is directed by Hollywood’s Emmy-winning filmmaker Alik Sakharov, renowned for his work on Game of Thrones, Ozark, and House of Cards. Internationally acclaimed producer Richard Sharkey is leading the production, alongside a team of global creative and technical experts.
Filming is taking place at the state-of-the-art Al-Hisn Big Time Studios and Qiddiya Studios. The scale of production has already drawn comparisons to Ridley Scott’s historical epics, featuring large-scale set construction, advanced visual effects, and intricate action sequences.
Storyline Focused on Khalid bin Waleed
The film focuses on the military campaigns of Khalid bin Waleed, highlighting decisive battles like the Battle of Yarmouk, which dramatically altered the course of Islamic history. Khalid bin Waleed, known for his courage, strategic brilliance, and undefeated record, is celebrated as “Saifullah” (Sword of Allah). The narrative promises to portray his life, military genius, and legacy in unprecedented detail.
Saudi Leadership Support
Recently, General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Al-Sheikh visited the studios to review sets, costumes, props, and action choreography. He praised the production’s scale and attention to detail, noting that the film has now entered its most critical shooting phase.
Part of Saudi Vision 2030
“The Unbroken Sword” is more than a historical retelling; it is a key initiative under Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to elevate the country’s film industry to global standards. The project seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a major hub for international cinema capable of producing epic, world-class films. Industry insiders predict that the film will usher in a new era for Arab cinema, combining authentic storytelling with Hollywood-level production quality.
International Recognition and Future Impact
The film is anticipated to be the first large-scale English-language epic from the region, targeting audiences worldwide. Analysts expect it to attract global attention not only for its cinematic quality but also for its cultural and historical significance, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s emerging role in the international film landscape.