Dubai company co-produces Luc Besson’s ‘Valerian’

Dubai-based company Gulf Film has launched a production arm called Novo Pictures, which will focus on English-language projects, the firm announced Tuesday. The new brand’s first project is already in production: acclaimed director Luc Besson’s $180 million science fiction film Valerian and The City of a Thousand Planets, starring Cara Delevigne and Dane DeHaan.

Gulf Film is owned by Elan Group, which also owns Novo Cinemas.

“Gulf Film has dominated the regional film market in the Middle East since its inception in 1989. Our passion for film, commitment to the industry and our expertise have culminated in our inevitable evolution as a film production entity,” said Selim El Azar, CEO, Gulf Film. “We are thrilled to add Novo Pictures to our portfolio and to be partnering with the legendary director and writer Luc Besson on our inaugural project. We look forward to sharing his creative genius with the movie lovers everywhere.”

Valerian..., based on the French science fiction comic series, Valerian and Laureline, releases globally in July.