Desert Eagle Films and BUC Studios have officially commenced principal production on Kemet: Year One, marking the first project under their innovative five-year, ten-film co-production agreement. This partnership aims to redefine the collaboration between commercial cinema and academic insights in the Middle East and North Africa.
Set in 9186 BC, Kemet: Year One aims to be the first major feature film shot entirely in Egypt, focusing on an authentic portrayal of the prehistoric period preceding dynastic civilisation. The film will be produced in Egyptian Arabic and is intended for an international audience. Principal photography is set to begin in mid-September 2025, following extensive on-location set construction that commenced in July.
This project marks the inaugural collaboration between Desert Eagle Films and BUC Studios, the production wing of Badr University in Cairo. Notably, this partnership involves comprehensive co-financing, co-production, and shared intellectual property rights, marking the first time a university has assumed a pivotal role in developing theatrically released content.
Filming locations will span Kom Ombo, Aswan, the Western Desert, and newly identified sites in Upper Egypt, many of which have yet to be documented on film. Much of the production involves recreating a functional tribal village using authentic materials, such as clay, stone, and wood, developed in collaboration with university scholars. These structures are designed for archaeological accuracy while enduring the rigours of an intense shooting schedule. The filmmakers have committed to using only Egypt’s natural landscapes, avoiding green screens or built studio sets altogether.
Jeremie Green, Head of Production at Desert Eagle Films, stated, “We’re not just creating a film set; we’re constructing a historical environment from the ground up. Every detail is grounded in Egypt’s geography, ensuring that every hut and tool resonates with authenticity for 9186 BC.”
Kemet: Year One employs an academic-industry hybrid model, engaging BUC faculty, researchers, and students across various disciplines, including archaeology, anthropology, architecture, costume design, and applied arts, to contribute directly to the film. Their expert input will enhance set designs, cultural elements, and layouts to ensure historical accuracy and authenticity.
Mo Ismail directed and produced the film, alongside Jeremie Green as Head of Production and Meme Wahba as Production Designer. The film aims to create an immersive experience. Najmeddin Scorpion, known for his expertise in physical choreography, serves as Action Director, developing a combat language that reflects the survival strategies of tribal communities. The cast comprises regional and international talent, participating in rigorous workshops focusing on prehistoric skills, movement, and combat.
Mo Ismail emphasised, “Our work is rooted in the authentic history of the region, building a realistic representation rather than a romanticised version of ancient Egypt. We aim to construct what could have existed using the materials and techniques of the time, adhering to global cinematic standards.”
Meme Wahba added, “Every element of this production is handcrafted, utilising techniques reminiscent of our ancestors. Our goal is to create a historically accurate work that deeply immerses the audience in the visceral realities of prehistoric Egypt.”
Distribution plans are already in place for hundreds of screens across the Middle East and the UK, with negotiations underway for openings in North America, Europe, and Asia. The project has received comprehensive regulatory approval from Egyptian authorities on its initial submission, a rare achievement that underscores its cultural and cinematic significance.
Najmeddin Scorpion explained, “We’re not just implementing modern choreography; we’re crafting a new cinematic language that encapsulates the primal nature of survival and conflict from thousands of years ago. The result will be raw, authentic, and instinctual.”
Beyond being merely a film, Kemet: Year One marks the beginning of a novel approach to Arab filmmaking that merges private industry with academic exploration and creative growth. With Desert Eagle Films and BUC Studios leading the way, this collaboration is poised to produce a series of significant features that celebrate the region’s heritage and culture while adhering to global industry standards.
