James R | On 09, May 2018

Netflix is heading Down Under for its latest original film, with a new deal to acquire the rights to Ali’s Wedding.

The romantic comedy from Beta Cinemas follows Ali, the charming son of a much-loved Muslim cleric who has migrated to Australia from Iraq. Desperate to please his family and community whilst juggling two very different worlds, Ali sets off a calamitous chain of events that sees him attending medical school despite not being enrolled, and falling in love despite being promised to another. As his wedding day draws ever closer, Ali’s double life is on the brink of exposure.

The film is based on star Osamah Sami’s real life – his arranged marriage lasted a matter of hours – and co-written by Sami, Don Hany, and Helana Sawires. It marks the feature film debut of TV veteran Jeffrey Walker (Jack Irish: Bad Debts).

Ali’s Wedding has already enjoyed success in its home country, picking up the Audience Award at the Sydney Film Festival and The Age Critics Award at the Melbourne Film Festival. It was nominated for 7 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards and won for Best Original Screenplay. The film was nominated for 7 Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards and won the Awgie Award from the Australian Writers’ Guild for best original feature film.

Now, Netflix has snapped up the international rights to the picture outside of China, Australia and New Zealand. It will be released later this year.

 

Ali’s Wedding is available on Netflix UK, as part of an £9.99 monthly subscription.

 

Photo: MIFF

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