Arabic series set to make its way to Netflix from 1980s Kuwait
Netflix has released the first trailer for The Exchange, its new Arabic Original series out on February 8.
The show takes its cues from the true story of two women who proved themselves in the cut-throat business of the stock market in 1980s Kuwait.
The Exchange follows Farida (Rawan Mahdi), who is recently divorced and seeking to provide for her daughter, and Munira (Mona Hussain), Farida’s cousin, a clerk for the Bank of Tomorrow’s Trading Division. It tells the story of how the two became the first women in the Kuwaiti Stock Exchange, facing several challenges as they broke the glass ceiling of the male-dominated financial market.
The six-episode series also stars Kuwaiti actors Hussain Almahdi, Mohammed Al Mansour and Faisal Alamiri. It was written by Nadia Ahmad, Anne Sobel and Adam Sobel, and directed by Jasem AlMuhanna and Karim El Shenawy.
The Exchange is Netflix’s second Kuwaiti series. In September last year, it released The Cage, a dramedy following the highs and lows of marital life.
Several of the talents who worked on The Exchange were also part of The Cage, including Mahdi and Almahdi. Both shows were directed by AlMuhanna, and produced by Abdullah Boushahri. “Having grown up in Kuwait and being surrounded by independent women my whole life, this production is one that is close to my heart,” Boushahri said.
“Rawan and Mona perfectly depict the struggles women experienced back in the ‘80s and I can’t wait for the world to see their characters’ story unfold. Besides the plot, I am excited for the audience to see how we brought this era to life, that brings together local and international expertise in a high-production masterpiece, shot and produced entirely in Kuwait.”
Netflix has been behind a number of Arabic Original series, starting with 2019’s Jinn and AlRawabi School for Girls. Over the past two years, the streaming platform has also increased its library of Arabic films, creating collections to promote award-winning features and shorts.
Last year, it also released an Arabic remake of Perfect Strangers, starring Lebanese actress and director Nadine Labaki, Egyptian star Mona Zaki and Jordanian actor Eyad Nassar.