Monica Bellucci, one of the most recognizable faces in world cinema and an Italian actress, has described her experience of acting in a Saudi Arabian film for the first time. Her experience working on the big-budget action film 'Seven Dogs' was extremely positive and memorable. She stated that Riyadh's state-of-the-art studios and the professionalism of the entire production team particularly impressed her, conveying an important message for the emerging film industry in the Middle East.
'Seven Dogs' is directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, who are globally known for successful action films like 'Bad Boys for Life' and 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die'. In this film, Monica Bellucci stars alongside two popular Egyptian stars, Ahmed Ezz and Karim Abdel Aziz, creating a unique blend of regional and international talent. This star-studded cast and experienced directorial duo have further heightened audience interest in the film.
Actress Monica Bellucci expressed her excitement about her first work experience in Saudi Arabia. She noted that Riyadh's studios were extremely vast and equipped with modern facilities, giving her the feeling of working on an international-standard, big-budget film. According to her, the entire production process was highly organized and a shining example of professionalism, indicating the rapid progress of Saudi Arabia's film industry.
'Seven Dogs' is an action-packed 'buddy-cop' genre film, which tells the story of dismantling various regional and international crime syndicates. In the film, Monica Bellucci plays the role of Julia Leone, a mysterious and powerful criminal. Her character portrays a woman who is always one step ahead of the law and has deep connections with various criminal organizations across Europe. She commented that playing such a complex and powerful character was new and challenging for her.
Praising the directors' work, Bellucci stated that Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah are adept at presenting action scenes with great dynamism and cinematic flair. Under their direction, scenes sometimes resembled a thriller and at other times a comic book, which will offer audiences a unique experience. She further added that acting in action scenes in this film was a new experience for her, and portraying a powerful yet cool-headed female character like Julia Leone was truly enjoyable and challenging.
Monica Bellucci also extended warm praise to her co-stars Ahmed Ezz and Karim Abdel Aziz. In her words, 'They are both very generous and empathetic co-stars. It was a wonderful experience working with them.' This positive experience has further piqued her interest in the Middle Eastern film industry. She believes that the Middle East is rapidly emerging as an important film production hub, and in the current era, cinema is no longer confined to a specific country but has become a global industry.
The arrival of an international star like Monica Bellucci in Saudi cinema is undoubtedly a milestone for the Middle Eastern film industry. This will not only enhance the international acceptance of Saudi cinema but also encourage other filmmakers worldwide to invest and work in the region. 'Seven Dogs' was released in theaters on May 27, and it is expected to receive a positive response from global audiences, playing a significant role in cultural exchange and the development of the film industry in the region.
