DUBAI: Filmmaker Simon West, known for films including “Con Air,” “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” and “The Expendables 2,” is set to begin production on his next movie, to be filmed in Saudi Arabia, Deadline reported. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @arabnews.lifestyle Based on a true story, epic film “Antara” will follow Antara ibn Shaddad, a slave in the sixth century who won his freedom and became a knight and one of the most famous poets in ancient Arabia. The film will be set against the backdrop of the Neom region in northwest Saudi Arabia and is co-produced by writer and producer Alexander Amartei. “Bringing the story of Antara ibn Shaddad to the big screen and the masses is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to continue his legend,” said West in a statement. “The opportunity to film in the homeland of the Banu Abs tribe means we will keep true to the piece whilst helping to grow the emerging film industry in the region.” -ADVERTISEMENT-