Netflix begins production on third original Arabic show
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Louise Duffy
| 28 May 2019

SVOD leader Netflix has announced Paranormal, its latest original Middle Eastern series, and its first foray into Egyptian drama.

Based on Paranormal, the best-selling books in the Arab world by late author Ahmed Khaled Tawfik, the show will be produced by Mohamed Hefzy and Amr Salama, who is also the showrunner and the director.

Set in the 1960s, the series, packed with mystery and suspense, depicts the adventures of Dr Refaat Ismail, a single haematologist who finds himself faced with a series of supernatural events.

Kelly Luegenbiehl, VP of International Originals at Netflix, said: "We are so excited to be investing in more Middle Eastern productions by adapting the highly acclaimed Paranormal series of novels into an exciting show. We’re also pleased to collaborate with Mohamed Hefzy and Amr Salama, whose creative vision we look forward to bringing to our international audience."

Hefzy commented: "I’m proud to be working with Netflix on bringing to life the Paranormal series, which I hold dear to my heart. I’m also excited to be co-operating again with long time collaborator and friend, director Amr Salama. Together with Netflix, we aim to present a show of international quality that lives up to the promises and ambitions of Egyptian and Arabic drama."

Salama added: "I’m very excited about this project, It was my dream to adapt Paranormal and turn it into a drama ever since I wanted to be a filmmaker. I’m proud to present the books in a new light while still keeping the essence of Paranormal. I can't wait to introduce these exciting stories to the Netflix public in 190 countries around the world."

Expected to be filmed in Egypt, Paranormal is the third Middle Eastern Netflix original show after Jinn, which features a cast of emerging Jordanian talent and is set to be released on 13 June, and Al Rawabi School for Girls, which was announced last April.