‘Con Air’ director Simon West to film ‘Antara’ in Saudi Arabia

DUBAI: Filmmaker Simon West, known for films including “Con Air,” “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” and “The Expendables 2,” is set to begin production on his next movie, to be filmed in Saudi Arabia, Deadline reported.

Based on a true story, epic film “Antara” will follow Antara ibn Shaddad, a slave in the sixth century who won his freedom and became a knight and one of the most famous poets in ancient Arabia.

The film will be set against the backdrop of the Neom region in northwest Saudi Arabia and is co-produced by writer and producer Alexander Amartei.