Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) has acquired the rights to Unidentified for distribution in North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, and global airline channels. This Saudi-language thriller, directed by Haifaa Al Mansour and co-written and produced by Al Mansour and Brad Niemann, is presently in post-production.

Featuring performances by Mila Al Zahrani and Shafi Al Harthi, Unidentified is produced by Al Mansour Establishment in collaboration with Rotana Studios, with backing from Saudi Arabia’s Daw Programme under the Film Commission.

Unidentified unfolds a gripping narrative triggered by the discovery of a teenage girl’s lifeless body in the desert. With no one stepping forward to claim the body, Noelle Al Saffan, a newly divorced true crime enthusiast who has recently suffered the loss of her own child, becomes obsessively involved. Despite the looming threat of the case being relegated to a cold case, Noelle is resolute in her quest to identify the girl and unveil the truth. As she delves deeper, she uncovers a mystery woven within a traditional society undergoing transformation, where women are beginning to carve out more space for themselves and assert control over their destinies.

Reflecting on the film, Al Mansour expressed, “I am thrilled to partner again with Sony Pictures Classics for the release of my latest film Unidentified. SPC supported my debut film Wadjda, which told the story of a young girl yearning to ride a forbidden bicycle, even before cinema was legalized in the Kingdom. I am overjoyed to collaborate with them once more to share another female-driven narrative during this pivotal time of change in Saudi Arabia.”

“With Wadjda, Haifaa Al Mansour emerged as one of the most exciting filmmakers globally. We are delighted to present her latest film, the mystery-thriller Unidentified, which aligns perfectly with the compelling stories thriving in today’s theatrical landscape. We anticipate it will be a significant success for SPC by year-end,” added Sony Pictures Classics.

The acquisition signifies a reunion between Sony Pictures Classics and Al Mansour, following their collaboration on Wadjda, the first feature film entirely shot in Saudi Arabia and directed by a Saudi woman. Wadjda was also the Kingdom’s inaugural submission for the Oscars in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 86th Academy Awards and received a BAFTA nomination.

The deal was brokered by Sony Pictures Classics, with UTA Independent Film Group and Memento International representing the filmmakers.