Australian director Phillip Noyce is being paid by the Saudi regime to make a feature film portraying the repressive state's narcotics officers as heroes. The Watchful Eyes, based on a real Saudi ministry of interior narcotics case, is billed as a dramatic depiction of the 'heroism of security men in combating drugs'.
Context of Executions
Saudi authorities executed 356 people last year, including 243 for drug-related cases. Analysts say the increase in executions is largely due to the kingdom's 'war on drugs'. The Saudi Gazette reported that the film 'will be shot entirely in the Kingdom and is expected to deliver a compelling artistic experience that highlights the heroism of Saudi security forces'.
Noyce's Career and Involvement
Noyce, 76, has directed classics such as Newsfront, Dead Calm, Rabbit-Proof Fence, and Patriot Games. Filming for The Watchful Eyes began in December and will be released this year. Noyce said he accepted the job 'for the challenge of working outside my comfort zone' and to 'investigate a previously closed society', but did not address ethical questions about making a film paid for by the Saudi regime.
Royal Adviser's Role
Noyce has been escorted around filming locations by Turki al-Sheikh, a royal adviser accused of human rights violations, including detaining critics. Al-Sheikh chairs the General Entertainment Authority and is a close confidant of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He posted photos of 'the great director Phillip Noyce', calling the film 'inspired by a true story from Saudi Arabia's drug enforcement case files'.
Criticism of Culture-Washing
Joey Shea of Human Rights Watch said the Saudi government uses investments in sport and entertainment to whitewash its human rights record. 'Given the subject matter of this film ... combined with the reality of the rights abuses linked to this new war on drugs, it's really disturbing the role these narratives may play in covering up executions.'
Production Details
The Watchful Eyes is described by officials as a 'massive production' and 'grand Saudi epic'. Noyce called it 'a low-budget kidnapping thriller, gritty and raw, shot entirely in Arabic'. He noted that Sela, the Saudi entertainment company financing the film, is backed by the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund. 'Surprisingly, Sela never once interfered from a creative point of view,' Noyce said.
Broader Context
The Saudi regime aims to become a global production destination under Prince Mohammed's Vision 2030 plan. In March, the BBC was accused of making 'glossy propaganda films' after teaming up with the Saudis. Jeed Basyouni of Reprieve said, 'The purpose of culture-washing is to legitimise human rights abuses, using arts, comedy, and film to portray a tolerant government when in reality, anyone who offends the men in power risks winding up dead.'
