Phillip Noyce (pink shirt) in Saudi Arabia surrounded by security men. Photo: Turki_alalshikh/X.
Griffith-born director Phillip Noyce is making a controversial state-funded movie in Saudi Arabia that will reportedly celebrate “the heroism” of the country’s security forces in combating the drug trade.
Mr Noyce grew up on a small farm near Griffith. In past interviews, he said the town was famous for “the best reefer madness dope in Australia” and recalled spending every Saturday at the local picture theatre. His father Bill was a president of the Griffith Wine and Food Society and helped establish the local law firm Noyce, Salmon & D’Aquino.
After starting his career in Australia, Mr Noyce became one of the country’s best-known film directors. His major movies include Rabbit-Proof Fence, Dead Calm, Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, The Quiet American and The Bone Collector. He has worked with the world’s top actors including Harrison Ford, Nicole Kidman and Michael Caine.
The new film, The Watchful Eyes, was announced late last year by Turki Alalshikh, a senior Saudi official who has become a major figure in the kingdom’s entertainment and sporting expansion. He is chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and has helped oversee major boxing events and international entertainment deals.
Bill Noyce and Alf Nugan in Griffith many years ago. Photo: Amanda Jane Sachs/Old Griffith NSW Album.
Saudi media reports say the movie is based on real anti-drug operations and is intended to portray the sacrifices of narcotics officers.
The Saudi Gazette reported the production would “highlight the heroism of Saudi security forces” and bring their efforts to international audiences.
“The film will be shot entirely in the kingdom and is expected to deliver a compelling artistic experience that highlights the heroism of Saudi security forces and introduces their efforts in combating crime to audiences around the world,” the Gazette stated.
Turki posted on X: “Photos from the visit of the great director Phillip Noyce to various locations and prisons affiliated with the Ministry of Interior to collaborate on our massive production with the Ministry of Interior, which is appreciated, for a true story from the heroism of security men in combating drugs … a film that is a grand Saudi epic.”
The Guardian reported the project had drawn controversy because of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and strict anti-drug laws, including the use of the death penalty for some offences. The newspaper said critics viewed the production as part of the kingdom’s broader push to improve its international image through entertainment, film and sport.
The newspaper also reported Mr Noyce described the project as “a low-budget kidnapping thriller” that will be filmed entirely in Arabic.
