TaleFlick, the innovative online story discovery platform co-founded by Uri Singer, the producer of “White Noise,” and former Netflix executive George Berry, is making significant strides in the realm of storytelling. The platform is now extending its reach to poets, particularly those who can encapsulate the rich essence, history, and vibrant traditions of Saudi Arabian culture.
In the Arab world, storytelling has deep roots in oral history and poetry. TaleFlick aims to bridge the gap between Saudi poetry and Hollywood, providing a unique opportunity for writers to showcase their work to producers and studios. This initiative is not just about expanding the platform’s offerings; it is about honoring the cultural significance of poetry in Saudi Arabia.
Uri Singer, who serves as the CEO of TaleFlick, expressed his enthusiasm for this new direction. He stated, “Poetry is the heartbeat of Saudi Arabian culture, resonating deeply with its people and heritage. By embracing poems, we aim to honor and elevate this beautiful art form, providing a platform to transform these stories into powerful visual narratives.”
The expansion of TaleFlick to include poetry from around the world allows poets from Saudi Arabia and beyond to share their unique voices with a global audience. The platform will curate and showcase submitted poems to a network of studios and producers, creating a pathway for these poetic works to be adapted into films, television series, and other forms of visual storytelling. This initiative opens doors for poets to gain recognition and for their art to reach wider audiences.
Importantly, submissions of Saudi poems can be made in Arabic, as TaleFlick’s curation team includes translators and poets from the region. The submission process is free, making it accessible for all aspiring poets.
TaleFlick has been evolving since its launch in 2018. A year ago, it expanded its scope beyond the English-speaking world, now accepting submissions in Arabic, Spanish, Hindi, Japanese, and South Korean. This commitment to inclusivity reflects the platform’s dedication to showcasing diverse voices and stories.
Looking ahead, TaleFlick plans to take the initiative a step further by selecting participants from the poem submissions for a reality TV show titled “House of Poems.” This concept is not entirely new to the region, as “The Million’s Poet,” a popular show akin to “American Idol” for poets, has been captivating audiences in the Arab world since 2007.
The intersection of poetry and cinema is already evident in the region. A notable example is Mohamed Al Salman’s “Raven Song,” which was Saudi Arabia’s submission for the Academy Awards last year. The film tells the story of Nasser, a young man diagnosed with a brain tumor, who is encouraged by his best friend to express his feelings through a love poem.
Uri Singer’s involvement in the Saudi film scene is noteworthy. He attended the Red Sea Film Festival last year and plans to return. Known for his work on films like “Marjorie Prime,” “White Noise,” and “Tesla,” Singer is also working on projects rooted in the region, including Palestinian director Maysaloun Hamoud’s female revenge thriller “Beretta” and British director Jon Amiel’s “Sands of Fortune,” which explores the origins of Saudi oil.
TaleFlick’s initiative to embrace poetry is a significant step in recognizing the cultural importance of this art form in Saudi Arabia. By providing a platform for poets to share their work, the platform not only honors the rich traditions of Saudi storytelling but also fosters connections between local artists and the global entertainment industry.
As TaleFlick continues to evolve, it remains committed to its mission of discovering and promoting diverse stories. The inclusion of poetry is a testament to the platform’s dedication to celebrating the art of storytelling in all its forms. With the potential for adaptation into visual media, the stories told through poetry can find new life and reach audiences far beyond their original context.
In a world where storytelling is increasingly important, TaleFlick’s efforts to connect Saudi poets with Hollywood represent a promising future for the art of poetry. By bridging cultural divides and showcasing the beauty of Saudi Arabian poetry, TaleFlick is paving the way for a new era of storytelling that honors tradition while embracing innovation.
Source: Variety
